Products and compositions

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to products and compositions and their uses. In particular the invention relates to nucleic acid products that interfere with the TMPRSS6 gene expression or inhibits its expression and therapeutic uses such as for the treatment of hemochromatosis, porphyria and blood disorders such as β-thalassemias, sickle cell disease and transfusional iron overload or myelodysplastic syndrome.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2018/058764, filed internationally on Apr. 5, 2018, which claims the benefit of priority to European Patent Application No. 17165007.0, filed on Apr. 5, 2017 and European Patent Application No. 17201405.2, filed Nov. 13, 2017 the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

SUBMISSION OF SEQUENCE LISTING ON ASCII TEXT FILE

The content of the following submission on ASCII text file is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: a computer readable form (CRF) of the Sequence Listing (file name: 680132000400SEQLIST.TXT, date recorded: Oct. 1, 2019, size: 106 KB).

The present invention relates to products and compositions and their uses. In particular the invention relates to nucleic acid products that interfere with the TMPRSS6 gene expression or inhibits its expression and therapeutic uses such as for the treatment of hemochromatosis, porphyria and blood disorders such as β-thalassemia, sickle cell disease and transfusional iron overload.

BACKGROUND

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) able to complementarily bind expressed mRNA has been shown to be able to block gene expression (Fire et a.l, 1998, Nature. 1998 Feb. 19; 391(6669):806-11 and Elbashir et al., 2001, Nature. 2001 May 24; 411(6836):494-8) by a mechanism that has been termed RNA interference (RNAi). Short dsRNAs direct gene-specific, post-transcriptional silencing in many organisms, including vertebrates, and have become a useful tool for studying gene function. RNAi is mediated by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), a sequence-specific, multi-component nuclease that destroys messenger RNAs homologous to the silencing trigger loaded into the RISC complex. Interfering RNA (iRNA) such as siRNAs, antisense RNA, and micro-RNA are oligonucleotides that prevent the formation of proteins by gene-silencing i.e. inhibiting gene translation of the protein through degradation of mRNA molecules. Gene-silencing agents are becoming increasingly important for therapeutic applications in medicine.

According to Watts and Corey in the Journal of Pathology (2012; Vol 226, p 365-379) there are algorithms that can be used to design nucleic acid silencing triggers, but all of these have severe limitations. It may take various experimental methods to identify potent siRNAs, as algorithms do not take into account factors such as tertiary structure of the target mRNA or the involvement of RNA binding proteins. Therefore the discovery of a potent nucleic acid silencing trigger with minimal off-target effects is a complex process. For the pharmaceutical development of these highly charged molecules it is necessary that they can be synthesised economically, distributed to target tissues, enter cells and function within acceptable limits of toxicity.

Matriptase-2 (MT-2) is the product of the TMPRSS6 gene. MT-2 is a type II transmembrane serine protease that plays a critical role in the regulation of iron homeostasis. MT-2 is a negative regulator for gene expression of the peptide hormone hepcidin. Hepcidin is predominantly produced and secreted by the liver. Hepcidin regulates iron balance in the body by acting as a negative regulator of gastro-intestinal iron absorption and release of iron from cellular stores. Upregulation of hepcidin leads to a reduction in iron availability within the body (McDonald et al, American Journal of Physiology, 2015, vol 08 no. 7, C539-C547). Hepcidin levels are low in patients with iron overload. Therefore a possible target for reducing iron overload is to increase Hepcidin by silencing TMPRSS6 gene expression in the liver.

TMPRSS6 is primarily expressed in the liver, although high levels of TMPRSS6 mRNA are also found in the kidney, with lower levels in the uterus and much smaller amounts detected in many other tissues (Ramsay et al, Haematologica (2009), 94(*6), 84-849).

Various disorders are associated with iron overload, a condition characterised by increased blood and tissue iron levels, such as hereditary hemochromatosis, porphyria cutanea tarda, and blood disorders, like ⋅-thalassemia, congenital sideroblastic anemia (CSA), congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA), marrow failure syndroms, myelodysplasia and sickle cell disease (SCD). In addition all patient populations, that receive regular blood transfusions are at risk of developing transfusional iron overload (Coates, Free Rad Biol Med 2014, Vol 72, 23-40, Bulaj et al., Blood 2000, Vol 95, 1565-71). Both a paper by Nai et al (Blood, 2012, Vol 119, No. 21, p 5021-5027) and Guo et al (The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2013, Vol 123, No. 4, p 1531-1541) show how a deletion or reduction of TMPRSS6 expression was effective in treating β-thalassemia in mice. A paper by Schmidt (2013, Blood, Vol 121, 7, p 1200-1208) explores the use of TMPRSS6 nucleic acid to decrease iron overload in mouse models of hereditary hemochromatosis and β-thalassemia. In both models the authors determined that lipid nanoparticles—TMPRSS6 nucleic acid treatment induced hepcidin and diminished tissue and serum iron levels for up to 21 days. Furthermore a paper by Schmidt et al (American Journal of Hematology, 2015, Vol 90, No. 4, p 310-313) demonstrated that LNP-TMPRSS6 nucleic acid plus oral iron chelator deferiprone therapy reduced secondary iron overload in mouse model of β-thalassemia.

Accordingly, methods for effective treatment of disorders associated with iron overload are currently needed and the present invention addresses this need.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a nucleic acid for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS6, comprising at least one duplex region that comprises at least a portion of a first strand and at least a portion of a second strand that is at least partially complementary to the first strand, wherein said first strand is at least partially complementary to at least a portion of a RNA transcribed from the TMPRSS6 gene, wherein said first strand comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the following sequences: SEQ ID NOs: 317, 319, 321, 323, 325, 327, 329, 331, 333, 335, 337, 339, 341, 343, 345, 353, 356, 358, 360, 362, 364, 366, 368, 370, 372, 374, 376, 378, 380, 382, 384, 386, 388, 390, 392, 394, 396, 398, 400, 402, 404, 406, 407, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424, 426, 428, 430, 432, 434, 436, 438, 440, or 442, or the first strand comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 67, 69, 71, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 85, 87, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161, 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 181, 183, 185, 187, 189, 191, 193, 195, 197, 199, 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, 215, 217, 219, 221, 225, 227, 229, 231, 233, 235, 237, 239, 241, 243, 245, 247, 249, 251, 253, 255, 257, 259, 261, 263, 265, 267, 269, 270, 271, 273, 275, 277, 279, 281, 283, 285, 287, 289, 291, 293, 295, 297, 299, 301, 309, 311, 312, 313, 314, or 315, such as SEQ ID NOs:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161, 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 181, 183, 185, 187, 189, 191, 193, 195, 197, 199, 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, or 215.

A further related aspect of the invention is a nucleic acid for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS6, comprising at least one duplex region that comprises at least a portion of a first strand and at least a portion of a second strand that is at least partially complementary to the first strand, wherein said first strand is at least partially complementary to at least a portion of a RNA transcribed from the TMPRSS6 gene, wherein said second strand comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the following sequences: SEQ ID NOs 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342, 344, 346, 357, 359, 361, 363, 365, 367, 369, 371, 373, 375, 377, 379, 381, 383, 385, 387, 389, 391, 393, 395, 397, 399, 401, 403, 405, 407, 409, 411, 413, 415, 417, 419, 421, 423, 425, 427, 429, 431, 433, 435, 437, 439, 441, or 443, or the second strand comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the following sequences: SEQ ID NOs 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 68, 70, 72, 75, 84, 86, 89, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262, 264, 266, 268, 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284, 286, 288, 290, 292, 294, 296, 298, 300, 302, 310, 312, 314, or 316, such as a sequence selected from the following: SEQ ID NO-2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, or 216.

Certain nucleic acids are preferred in all of the aspects of the invention. In particular:

The first strand may comprise the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:333 and/or the second strand may comprise the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:334.

333 TMPRSS6-hcm-9A aaccagaagaagcagguga 334 TMPRSS6-hcm-9B ucaccugcuucuucugguu

The first strand may comprise the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:17 and/or the second strand may comprise the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:18, namely:

SEQ TMPRSS6-hcm- 6273646282647284546 ID 9A 17 SEQ TMPRSS6-hcm- 1727354715351718451 ID 9B 18

The first strand may comprise the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:422 and/or the second strand may comprise the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:423.

TMPRSS6-hc-18A UUUUCUCUUGGAGUCCUCA TMPRSS8-hc-18B UGAGGACUCCAAGAGAAAA

The first strand may comprise the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:199 and/or the second strand may comprise the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:200.

TMPRSS6-hc- mU (ps) fU (ps)  18A mUfUmCfUmCfUmUfGmGfAmGfUmCfCmU  (ps) fC (ps) mA TMPRSS6-hc- fUmGfAmGfGmAfCmUfCmCfAmAfGmAfGmAfA  18B (ps) mA (ps) fA

The first strand may comprise the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:429 and/or the second strand may comprise the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:430.

TM PRSS6-hc-23A CUGUUCUGGAUCGUCCACU TM PRSS6-hc-23B AGUGGACGAUCCAGAACAG

The first strand may comprise the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:207 and/or the second strand may comprise the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:208.

TMPRSS6- mC (ps) fU (ps) mGfUmUfCmUfGmGfAm hc-23A UfCmGfUmCfCmA (ps) fC (ps) mU TMPRSS6- fAmGfUmGfGmAfCmGfAmUfCmCfAm hc-23B GfAmAfC (ps) mA (ps) fG

A nucleic acid may be disclosed herein in a sequence listing association with a particular linker and/or ligand, but any reference to the linker or ligand in the context of the sequence listing is optional, although these features are preferred. Certain preferred linkers are disclosed in combination with certain nucleic acid sequences.

The first strand and/or said second strand may each be from 17-35 nucleotides in length and at least one duplex region may be from 10-25 nucleotides in length. The duplex may comprise two separate strands or it may comprise a single strand which comprises the first strand and the second strand.

The nucleic acid may: a) be blunt ended at both ends; b) have an overhang at one end and a blunt end at the other; or c) have an overhang at both ends.

One or more nucleotides on the first and/or second strand may be modified, to form modified nucleotides. One or more of the odd numbered nucleotides of the first strand may be modified. One or more of the even numbered nucleotides of the first strand may be modified by at least a second modification, wherein the at least second modification is different from the modification on the one or more odd numbered nucleotides. At least one of the one or more modified even numbered nucleotides may be adjacent to at least one of the one or more modified odd numbered nucleotides.

A plurality of odd numbered nucleotides in the first strand may be modified in the nucleic acid of the invention. A plurality of even numbered nucleotides in the first strand may be modified by a second modification. The first strand may comprise adjacent nucleotides that are modified by a common modification. The first strand may also comprise adjacent nucleotides that are modified by a second different modification.

One or more of the odd numbered nucleotides of the second strand may be modified by a modification that is different to the modification of the odd numbered nucleotides on the first strand and/or one or more of the even numbered nucleotides of the second strand may be modified by the same modification of the odd numbered nucleotides of the first strand. At least one of the one or more modified even numbered nucleotides of the second strand may be adjacent to the one or more modified odd numbered nucleotides. A plurality of odd numbered nucleotides of the second strand may be modified by a common modification and/or a plurality of even numbered nucleotides may be modified by the same modification that is present on the first strand odd numbered nucleotides. A plurality of odd numbered nucleotides on the second strand may be modified by a second modification, wherein the second modification is different from the modification of the first strand odd numbered nucleotides.

The second strand may comprise adjacent nucleotides that are modified by a common modification, which may be a second modification that is different from the modification of the odd numbered nucleotides of the first strand.

In the nucleic acid of the invention, each of the odd numbered nucleotides in the first strand and each of the even numbered nucleotides in the second strand may be modified with a common modification and, each of the even numbered nucleotides may be modified in the first strand with a second modification and each of the odd numbered nucleotides may be modified in the second strand with a second different modification.

The nucleic acid of the invention may have the modified nucleotides of the first strand shifted by at least one nucleotide relative to the unmodified or differently modified nucleotides of the second strand.

The modification and/or modifications may each and individually be selected from the group consisting of 3′-terminal deoxy-thymine, 2′-O-methyl, a 2′-deoxy-modification, a 2′-amino-modification, a 2′-alkyl-modification, a morpholino modification, a phosphoramidate modification, 5′-phosphorothioate group modification, a 5′ phosphate or 5′ phosphate mimic modification and a cholesteryl derivative or a dodecanoic acid bisdecylamide group modification and/or the modified nucleotide may be any one of a locked nucleotide, an abasic nucleotide or a non-natural base comprising nucleotide.

At least one modification may be 2′-O-methyl and/or at least one modification may be 2′-F.

The invention further provides, as a second aspect, a nucleic acid for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS6, comprising at least one duplex region that comprises at least a portion of a first strand and at least a portion of a second strand that is at least partially complementary to the first strand, wherein said first strand is at least partially complementary to at least a portion of an RNA transcribed from the TMPRSS6 gene, wherein said first strand comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the following sequences:

SEQ ID Nos:

317, 319, 321, 323, 325, 327, 329, 331, 333, 335, 337, 339, 341, 343, 345, 353, 356, 358, 360, 362, 364, 366, 368, 370, 372, 374, 376, 378, 380, 382, 384, 386, 388, 390, 392, 394, 396, 398, 400, 402, 404, 406, 407, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424, 426, 428, 430, 432, 434, 436, 438, 440, or 442;

or selected from

SEQ ID NOs 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 67, 69, 71, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 85, 87, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161, 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 181, 183, 185, 187, 189, 191, 193, 195, 197, 199, 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, 215, 217, 219, 221, 225, 227, 229, 231, 233, 235, 237, 239, 241, 243, 245, 247, 249, 251, 253, 255, 257, 259, 261, 263, 265, 267, 269, 270, 271, 273, 275, 277, 279, 281, 283, 285, 287, 289, 291, 293, 295, 297, 299, 301, 309, 311, 312, 313, 314, or 315,

such as SEQ ID NOs:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161, 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 181, 183, 185, 187, 189, 191, 193, 195, 197, 199, 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, or 215,

wherein the nucleotides of first strand are modified by first modification on the odd numbered nucleotides, and modified by a second modification on the even numbered nucleotides, and nucleotides of the second strand are modified by a third modification on the even numbered nucleotides and modified by a fourth modification the odd numbered nucleotides, wherein at least the first modification is different to the second modification and the third modification is different to the fourth modification.

The invention further provides, as a related second aspect, a nucleic acid for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS6, comprising at least one duplex region that comprises at least a portion of a first strand and at least a portion of a second strand that is at least partially complementary to the first strand, wherein said first strand is at least partially complementary to at least a portion of an RNA transcribed from the TMPRSS6 gene, wherein said second strand may comprise a nucleotide sequence selected from the following sequences: SEQ ID no's 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342, 344, 346, 357, 359, 361, 363, 365, 367, 369, 371, 373, 375, 377, 379, 381, 383, 385, 387, 389, 391, 393, 395, 397, 399, 401, 403, 405, 407, 409, 411, 413, 415, 417, 419, 421, 423, 425, 427, 429, 431, 433, 435, 437, 439, 441, or 443, or selected from SEQ ID no's 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 68, 70, 72, 75, 84, 86, 89, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262, 264, 266, 268, 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284, 286, 288, 290, 292, 294, 296, 298, 300, 302, 310, 312, 314, or 316,

such as a sequence selected from the following: SEQ ID NO:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, or 216,

wherein the nucleotides of first strand are modified by first modification on the odd numbered nucleotides, and modified by a second modification on the even numbered nucleotides, and nucleotides of the second strand are modified by a third modification on the even numbered nucleotides and modified by a fourth modification the odd numbered nucleotides, wherein at least the first modification is different to the second modification and the third modification is different to the fourth modification.

The third modification and the first modification may be the same and/or the second modification and the fourth modification may be the same.

The first modification may be 2′OMe and the second modification may be 2′F.

In the nucleic acid of any aspect, eg the second aspect, the first strand may comprise the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:17 and the second strand may comprise the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:18. The sequence and modifications may be as shown in the table below:

SEQ ID NO: 17 5′aaccagaagaagcagguga 3′ 6273646282647284546 SEQ ID NO: 18 5′ucaccugcuucuucugguu 3′ 1727354715351718451

wherein the specific modifications are depicted by the following numbers

1=2′F-dU,

2=2′F-dA,

3=2′F-dC,

4=2′F-dG,

5=2′-OMe-rU;

6-2′-OMe-rA;

7=2′-OMe-rC;

8=2′-OMe-rG.

As taught above, these are preferred sequences, along with the other preferred sequences.

A nucleic acid of the invention may comprise a phosphorothioate linkage between the terminal one, two or three 3′ nucleotides and/or one two or three 5′ nucleotides of the first and/or the second strand. It may comprise two phosphorothioate linkages between each of the three terminal 3′ and between each of the three terminal 5′ nucleotides on the first strand, and two phosphorothioate linkages between the three terminal nucleotides of the 3′ end of the second strand.

Such a nucleic acid may be conjugated to a ligand.

The invention further provides, as a third aspect, a nucleic acid for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS6, comprising at least one duplex region that comprises at least a portion of a first strand and at least a portion of a second strand that is at least partially complementary to the first strand, wherein said first strand is at least partially complementary to at least a portion of a RNA transcribed from the TMPRSS6 gene, wherein said first strand comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the following sequences,

SEQ ID Nos:

317, 319, 321, 323, 325, 327, 329, 331, 333, 335, 337, 339, 341, 343, 353 345, 353, 356, 358, 360, 362, 364, 366, 368, 370, 372, 374, 376, 378, 380, 382, 384, 386, 388, 390, 392, 394, 396, 398, 400, 402, 404, 406, 407, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424, 426, 428, 430, 432, 434, 436, 438, 440, or 442;

or selected from

SEQ ID NOs 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 67, 69, 71, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 85, 87, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161, 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 181, 183, 185, 187, 189, 191, 193, 195, 197, 199, 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, 215, 217, 219, 221, 225, 227, 229, 231, 233, 235, 237, 239, 241, 243, 245, 247, 249, 251, 253, 255, 257, 259, 261, 263, 265, 267, 269, 270, 271, 273, 275, 277, 279, 281, 283, 285, 287, 289, 291, 293, 295, 297, 299, 301, 309, 311, 312, 313, 314, or 315,

such as SEQ ID NOs:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161, 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 181, 183, 185, 187, 189, 191, 193, 195, 197, 199, 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, or 215,

and wherein the nucleic acid is conjugated to a ligand.

The invention further provides, as a further related aspect, a nucleic acid for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS6, comprising at least one duplex region that comprises at least a portion of a first strand and at least a portion of a second strand that is at least partially complementary to the first strand, wherein said first strand is at least partially complementary to at least a portion of a RNA transcribed from the TMPRSS6 gene, wherein the second strand comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the following sequences,

SEQ ID Nos 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342, 344, 346, 357, 359, 361, 363, 365, 367, 369, 371, 373, 375, 377, 379, 381, 383, 385, 387, 389, 391, 393, 395, 397, 399, 401, 403, 405, 407, 409, 411, 413, 415, 417, 419, 421, 423, 425, 427, 429, 431, 433, 435, 437, 439, 441, or 443, or the second strand comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the following sequences: SEQ ID no's 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 68, 70, 72, 75, 84, 86, 89, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262, 264, 266, 268, 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284, 286, 288, 290, 292, 294, 296, 298, 300, 302, 310, 312, 314, or 316, such as a sequence selected from the following: SEQ ID NO:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, or 216,

and wherein the nucleic acid is conjugated to a ligand.

The ligand may comprise (i) one or more N-acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc) moieties and derivatives thereof, and (ii) a linker, wherein the linker conjugates the GalNAc moieties to a sequence as defined in any preceding aspects. The linker may be a bivalent or trivalent or tetravalent branched structure. The nucleotides may be modified as defined herein.

The ligand may comprise the formula I:

[S—X¹—P—X²]₃—A—linker—  (I)

wherein:

-   -   S represents a saccharide, wherein the saccharide is N-acetyl         galactosamine;     -   X¹ represents C₃-C₆ alkylene or (—CH₂CH₂—O)_(m)(—CH₂)₂— wherein         m is 1, 2, or 3;     -   P is a phosphate or modified phosphate (preferably a         thiophosphate);     -   X² is alkylene or an alkylene ether of the formula         (—CH₂)_(n)—O—CH₂— where n=1-6;     -   A is a branching unit;     -   X³ represents abridging unit;     -   wherein a nucleic acid according to the present invention is         conjugated to X³ via a phosphate or modified phosphate         (preferably a thiophosphate).

The present invention therefore additionally provides a conjugated nucleic acid having one of the following structures

wherein Z represents a nucleic acid as defined herein before.

Alternatively, a nucleic acid according to the present invention may be conjugated to a ligand of the following structure

The invention also provides a composition comprising a nucleic acid as defined herein and a formulation comprising:

-   -   i) a cationic lipid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable slat         thereof;     -   ii) a steroid;     -   iii) a phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipid;     -   iv) a PEGylated lipid.

The content of the cationic lipid component in the formulation may be from about 55 mol % to about 65 mol % of the overall lipid content of the lipid formulation, preferably about 59 mol % of the overall lipid content of the lipid formulation.

The formulation may comprise a cationic lipid having the structure

a steroid having the structure;

a phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipid having the structure;

and a PEGylated lipid having the structure;

The invention also provides a composition comprising a nucleic acid or a conjugated nucleic acid of any aspect of the invention, and a physiologically acceptable excipient.

Also provided is a nucleic acid or a conjugated nucleic acid according to any aspect of the invention for use in the treatment of a disease or disorder and/or in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a disease or disorder.

The invention provides a method of treating or preventing a disease or disorder comprising administration of a composition comprising a nucleic acid or a conjugated nucleic acid according to any aspect of the invention to an individual in need of treatment. The nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid may be administered to the subject subcutaneously, intravenously or using any other application routes such as oral, rectal or intraperitoneal.

The disease or disorder may be selected from the group comprising hemochromatosis, porphyria cutanea tarda and blood disorders, such as β-thalassemia or sickle cell disease, congenital dyserythropoietic anemia, marrow failure syndromes, myelodysplasia and transfusional iron overload. The disorder may be associated with iron overload and the disorder associated with iron overload may be Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease or Friedreich's Ataxia.

A method of making a nucleic acid or a conjugated nucleic acid according to the invention is also included.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a nucleic acid which is double stranded and directed to an expressed RNA transcript of TMPRSS6 and compositions thereof. These nucleic acids can be used in the treatment of a variety of diseases and disorders where reduced expression of TMPRSS6 gene product is desirable.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a nucleic acid for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS6 in a cell, comprising at least one duplex region that comprises at least a portion of a first strand and at least a portion of a second strand that is at least partially complementary to the first strand, wherein said first strand is at least partially complementary to at least a portion of a RNA transcribed from the TMPRSS6 gene, wherein said first strand comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the following sequences:

SEQ ID Nos: 317, 319, 321, 323, 325, 327, 329, 331, 333, 335, 337, 339, 341, 343, 345, 353, 356, 358, 360, 362, 364, 366, 368, 370, 372, 374, 376, 378, 380, 382, 384, 386, 388, 390, 392, 394, 396, 398, 400, 402, 404, 406, 407, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424, 426, 428, 430, 432, 434, 436, 438, 440, or 442,

or selected from SEQ ID NOs 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 67, 69, 71, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 85, 87, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161, 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 181, 183, 185, 187, 189, 191, 193, 195, 197, 199, 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, 215, 217, 219, 221, 225, 227, 229, 231, 233, 235, 237, 239, 241, 243, 245, 247, 249, 251, 253, 255, 257, 259, 261, 263, 265, 267, 269, 270, 271, 273, 275, 277, 279, 281, 283, 285, 287, 289, 291, 293, 295, 297, 299, 301, 309, 311, 312, 313, 314, or 315,

such as SEQ ID NOs:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161, 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 181, 183, 185, 187, 189, 191, 193, 195, 197, 199, 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, or 215.

By nucleic acid it is meant a nucleic acid comprising two strands comprising nucleotides, that is able to interfere with gene expression. Inhibition may be complete or partial and results in down regulation of gene expression in a targeted manner. The nucleic acid comprises two separate polynucleotide strands; the first strand, which may also be a guide strand; and a second strand, which may also be a passenger strand. The first strand and the second strand may be part of the same polynucleotide molecule that is self complementary which ‘folds’ to form a double stranded molecule. The nucleic acid may be an siRNA molecule.

The nucleic acid may comprise ribonucleotides, modified ribonucleotides, deoxynucleotides, deoxyribonucleotides, or nucleotide analogues. The nucleic acid may further comprise a double-stranded nucleic acid portion or duplex region formed by all or a portion of the first strand (also known in the art as a guide strand) and all or a portion of the second strand (also known in the art as a passenger strand). The duplex region is defined as beginning with the first base pair formed between the first strand and the second strand and ending with the last base pair formed between the first strand and the second strand, inclusive.

By duplex region it is meant the region in two complementary or substantially complementary oligonucleotides that form base pairs with one another, either by Watson-Crick base pairing or any other manner that allows for the formation of a duplex between oligonucleotide strands that are complementary or substantially complementary. For example, an oligonucleotide strand having 21 nucleotide units can base pair with another oligonucleotide of 21 nucleotide units, yet only 19 nucleotides on each strand are complementary or substantially complementary, such that the “duplex region” consists of 19 base pairs. The remaining base pairs may exist as 5⋅ and 3⋅ overhangs, or as single stranded regions. Further, within the duplex region, 100% complementarity is not required; substantial complementarity is allowable within a duplex region. Substantial complementarity refers to complementarity between the strands such that they are capable of annealing under biological conditions. Techniques to empirically determine if two strands are capable of annealing under biological conditions are well known in the art. Alternatively, two strands can be synthesised and added together under biological conditions to determine if they anneal to one another.

The portion of the first strand and second strand that form at least one duplex region may be fully complementary and are at least partially complementary to each other.

Depending on the length of an nucleic acid, a perfect match in terms of base complementarity between the first strand and second strand is not necessarily required. However, the first and second strands must be able to hybridise under physiological conditions.

The complementarity between the first strand and second strand in the at least one duplex region may be perfect in that there are no nucleotide mismatches or additional/deleted nucleotides in either strand. Alternatively, the complementarity may not be perfect. The complementarity may be at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95%.

The first strand and the second strand may each comprise a region of complementarity which comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from any one of the sequences listed in Table 1.

A related aspect of the invention relates to a nucleic acid for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS6 in a cell, comprising at least one duplex region that comprises at least a portion of a first strand and at least a portion of a second strand that is at least partially complementary to the first strand, wherein said first strand is at least partially complementary to at least a portion of a RNA transcribed from the TMPRSS6 gene, wherein said second strand comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the following sequences:

SEQ ID no's 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342, 344, 346, 357, 359, 361, 363, 365, 367, 369, 371, 373, 375, 377, 379, 381, 383, 385, 387, 389, 391, 393, 395, 397, 399, 401, 403, 405, 407, 409, 411, 413, 415, 417, 419, 421, 423, 425, 427, 429, 431, 433, 435, 437, 439, 441, or 443,

or selected from

SEQ ID no's 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 68, 70, 72, 75, 84, 86, 89, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262, 264, 266, 268, 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284, 286, 288, 290, 292, 294, 296, 298, 300, 302, 310, 312, 314, or 316,

such as a sequence selected from the following: SEQ ID NO:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, or 216.

Suitably, in any aspect of the invention, the second and first stand together are any of the complementary pairs of nucleic acids disclosed herein, such as those of SEQ ID 1 and 2, 3 and 4 etc.

The combination of nucleic acids consisting of SEQ ID 17 and 18 is a preferred combination, as is SEQ 199 with 200 and SEQ ID 207 with 208.

The nucleic acid involves the formation of a duplex region between all or a portion of the first strand and a portion of the target nucleic acid, TMPRSS6. The portion of the target nucleic acid that forms a duplex region with the first strand, defined as beginning with the first base pair formed between the first strand and the target sequence and ending with the last base pair formed between the first strand and the target sequence, inclusive, is the target nucleic acid sequence or simply, target sequence. The duplex region formed between the first strand and the second strand need not be the same as the duplex region formed between the first strand and the target sequence. That is, the second strand may have a sequence different from the target sequence however, the first strand must be able to form a duplex structure with both the second strand and the target sequence.

The complementarity between the first strand and the target sequence may be perfect (no nucleotide mismatches or additional/deleted nucleotides in either nucleic acid).

The complementarity between the first strand and the target sequence may not be perfect. The complementarity may be from about 70% to about 100%. More specifically, the complementarity may be at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95%, or an intermediate value.

The identity between the first strand and the complementary sequence of the target sequence may be from about 75% to about 100%. More specifically, the complementarity may be at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95%, or an intermediate value, provided a nucleic acid is capable of reducing or inhibiting the expression of TMPRSS6.

A nucleic acid with less than 100% complementarity between the first strand and the target sequence may be able to reduce the expression of TMPRSS6 to the same level as a nucleic acid with perfect complementarity between the first strand and the target sequence. Alternatively, it may be able to reduce expression of TMPRSS6 to a level that is 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% of the level of expression achieved by the nucleic acid with perfect complementarity.

The nucleic acid may comprise a first strand and a second strand that are each from 19-25 nucleotides in length. The first strand and the second strand may be of different lengths.

The nucleic acid may be 15-25 nucleotide pairs in length. The nucleic acid may be 17-23 nucleotide pairs in length. The nucleic acid may be 17-25 nucleotide pairs in length. The nucleic acid may be 23-24 nucleotide pairs in length. The nucleic acid may be 19-21 nucleotide pairs in length. The nucleic acid may be 21-23 nucleotide pairs in length.

The nucleic acid may comprise a duplex region that consists of 19-25 nucleotide base pairs. The duplex region may consist of 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25 base pairs which may be contiguous.

The nucleic acid may comprise a first strand sequence of SEQ ID NO:17. The nucleic acid may comprise a second strand sequence of SEQ ID NO:18. The nucleic acid of the invention may comprise SEQ ID NO:17 and SEQ ID NO:18.

In a further aspect the nucleic acid as described herein may reduce the expression of TMPRSS6 in a cell by at least 15% compared to the level observed in the absence of an inhibitor, which may be the nucleic acid. All preferred features of any of the previous aspects also apply to this aspect. In particular, the expression of TMPRSS6 in a cell may be reduced to 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 15% or less, and intermediate values, than that observed in the absence of an inhibitor (which may be the nucleic acid).

The invention also relates to any first strand or any second strand of nucleic acid as disclosed herein, which comprises no more than 2 base changes when compared to the specific sequence ID provided. For example, one base may be changed within any sequence.

In one embodiment, the change may be made to the 5′ most nucleotide of the antisense (first) strand. In one embodiment, the change may be made to the 3′ most nucleotide of the antisense (first) strand. In one embodiment, the change may be made to the 5′ most nucleotide of the sense (second) strand. In one embodiment, the change may be made to the 3′ most nucleotide of the sense (second) strand.

In one embodiment, the change is made to the 5′ most nucleotide of the antisense (first) strand. The base of the 5′ nucleotide may be changed to any other nucleotide. An A or a U at the 5′ end are preferred, and an A or a U are taught herein as the potential 5′ terminal base for all of the antisense (first strand) sequences disclosed herein

Overhangs

The nucleic acid may be blunt ended at both ends; have an overhang at one end and a blunt end at the other end; or have an overhang at both ends.

An “overhang” as used herein has its normal and customary meaning in the art, i.e. a single stranded portion of a nucleic acid that extends beyond the terminal nucleotide of a complementary strand in a double strand nucleic acid. The term “blunt end” includes double stranded nucleic acid whereby both strands terminate at the same position, regardless of whether the terminal nucleotide(s) are base paired. The terminal nucleotide of a first strand and a second strand at a blunt end may be base paired. The terminal nucleotide of a first strand and a second strand at a blunt end may not be paired. The terminal two nucleotides of a first strand and a second strand at a blunt end may be base paired. The terminal two nucleotides of an first strand and a second strand at a blunt end may not be paired.

The nucleic acid may have an overhang at one end and a blunt end at the other. The nucleic acid may have an overhang at both ends. The nucleic acid may be blunt ended at both ends. The nucleic acid may be blunt ended at the end with the 5′-end of the first strand and the 3′-end of the second strand or at the 3′-end of the first strand and the 5′-end of the second strand.

The nucleic acid may comprise an overhang at a 3′- or 5′-end. The nucleic acid may have a 3′-overhang on the first strand. The nucleic acid may have a 3′-overhang on the second strand. The nucleic acid may have a 5′-overhang on the first strand. The nucleic acid may have a 5′-overhang on the second strand. The nucleic acid may have an overhang at both the 5′-end and 3′-end of the first strand. The nucleic acid may have an overhang at both the 5′-end and 3′-end of the second strand. The nucleic acid may have a 5′ overhang on the first strand and a 3′ overhang on the second strand. The nucleic acid may have a 3′ overhang on the first strand and a 5′ overhang on the second strand. The nucleic acid may have a 3′ overhang on the first strand and a 3′ overhang on the second strand. The nucleic acid may have a 5′ overhang on the first strand and a 5′ overhang on the second strand.

An overhang at the 3′-end or 5′ end of the second strand or the first strand may be selected from consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 nucleotides in length. Optionally, an overhang may consist of 1 or 2 nucleotides, which may or may not be modified.

Modifications

Unmodified polynucleotides, particularly ribonucleotides, may be prone to degradation by cellular nucleases, and, as such, modifications/modified nucleotides may be included in the nucleic acid of the invention.

One or more nucleotides on the second and/or first strand of the nucleic acid of the invention may be modified.

Modifications of the nucleic acid of the present invention generally provide a powerful tool in overcoming potential limitations including, but not limited to, in vitro and in vivo stability and bioavailability inherent to native RNA molecules. The nucleic acid according to the invention may be modified by chemical modifications. Modified nucleic acid can also minimise the possibility of inducing interferon activity in humans. Modification can further enhance the functional delivery of a nucleic acid to a target cell. The modified nucleic acid of the present invention may comprise one or more chemically modified ribonucleotides of either or both of the first strand or the second strand. A ribonucleotide may comprise a chemical modification of the base, sugar or phosphate moieties. The ribonucleic acid may be modified by substitution or insertion with analogues of nucleic acids or bases.

It will be appreciated that the disclosure of a modified nucleic acid, in particular such as an modified RNA, provides both a disclosure of the “primary” nucleic acid sequence, and also the modifications of that sequence. A sequence listing thus provides both the information on the primary nucleic acid sequence and also a modified sequence. For the avoidance of doubt, and the invention relates to both to unmodified nucleic acid sequences, partially modified and any sequences for which the modifications have been fully defined.

One or more nucleotides of a nucleic acid of the present invention may be modified. The nucleic acid may comprise at least one modified nucleotide. The modified nucleotide may be on the first strand. The modified nucleotide may be in the second strand. The modified nucleotide may be in the duplex region. The modified nucleotide may be outside the duplex region, i.e., in a single stranded region. The modified nucleotide may be on the first strand and may be outside the duplex region. The modified nucleotide may be on the second strand and may be outside the duplex region. The 3′-terminal nucleotide of the first strand may be a modified nucleotide. The 3′-terminal nucleotide of the second strand may be a modified nucleotide. The 5′-terminal nucleotide of the first strand may be a modified nucleotide. The 5′-terminal nucleotide of the second strand may be a modified nucleotide.

A nucleic acid of the invention may have 1 modified nucleotide or a nucleic acid of the invention may have about 2-4 modified nucleotides, or a nucleic acid may have about 4-6 modified nucleotides, about 6-8 modified nucleotides, about 8-10 modified nucleotides, about 10-12 modified nucleotides, about 12-14 modified nucleotides, about 14-16 modified nucleotides about 16-18 modified nucleotides, about 18-20 modified nucleotides, about 20-22 modified nucleotides, about 22-24 modified nucleotides, 24-26 modified nucleotides or about 26-28 modified nucleotides. In each case the nucleic acid comprising said modified nucleotides retains at least 50% of its activity as compared to the same nucleic acid but without said modified nucleotides. The nucleic acid may retain 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% or an intermediate value of its activity as compared to the same nucleic acid but without said modified nucleotides, or may have more than 100% of the activity of the same nucleotide without said modified nucleotides.

The modified nucleotide may be a purine or a pyrimidine. At least half of the purines may be modified. At least half of the pyrimidines may be modified. All of the purines may be modified. All of the pyrimidines may be modified. The modified nucleotides may be selected from the group consisting of a 3′-terminal deoxy-thymine (dT) nucleotide, a 2′-O-methyl modified nucleotide, a 2′ modified nucleotide, a 2′-deoxy-modified nucleotide, a locked nucleotide, an abasic nucleotide, a 2′-amino-modified nucleotide, a 2′-alkyl-modified nucleotide, a morpholino nucleotide, a phosphoramidate, a non-natural base comprising nucleotide, a nucleotide comprising a 5′-phosphorothioate group, a nucleotide comprising a 5′ phosphate or 5′ phosphate mimic and a terminal nucleotide linked to a cholesteryl derivative or a dodecanoic acid bisdecylamide group.

The nucleic acid may comprise a nucleotide comprising a modified nucleotide, wherein the base is selected from 2-aminoadenosine, 2,6-diaminopurine, inosine, pyridin-4-one, pyridin-2-one, phenyl, pseudouracil, 2, 4, 6-trimethoxy benzene, 3-methyl uracil, dihydrouridine, naphthyl, aminophenyl, 5-alkylcytidine (e.g., 5-methylcytidine), 5-alkyluridine (e.g., ribothymidine), 5-halouridine (e.g., 5-bromouridine), 6-azapyrimidine, 6-alkylpyrimidine (e.g. 6-methyluridine), propyne, quesosine, 2-thiouridine, 4-thiouridine, wybutosine, wybutoxosine, 4-acetylcytidine, 5-(carboxyhydroxymethyl)uridine, 5′-carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyluridine, beta-D-galactosylqueosine, 1-methyladenosine, 1-methylinosine, 2,2-dimethylguanosine, 3-methylcytidine, 2-methyladenosine, 2-methylguanosine, N6-methyladenosine, 7-methylguanosine, 5-methoxyaminomethyl-2-thiouridine, 5-methylaminomethyluridine, 5-methylcarbonylmethyluridine, 5-methyloxyuridine, 5-methyl-2-thiouridine, 2-methylthio-N6-isopentenyladenosine, beta-D-mannosylqueosine, uridine-5-oxyacetic acid and 2-thiocytidine.

Nucleic acids discussed herein include unmodified RNA as well as RNA which has been modified, e.g., to improve efficacy, and polymers of nucleoside surrogates. Unmodified RNA refers to a molecule in which the components of the nucleic acid, namely sugars, bases, and phosphate moieties, are the same or essentially the same as that which occur in nature, for example as occur naturally in the human body. Modified nucleotide as used herein refers to a nucleotide in which one or more of the components of the nucleic acid, namely sugars, bases, and phosphate moieties, are different from that which occur in nature. While they are referred to as modified nucleotides they will of course, because of the modification, include molecules which are not nucleotides, for example a polynucleotide molecules in which the ribophosphate backbone is replaced with a non-ribophosphate construct that allows hybridisation between strands i.e. the modified nucleotides mimic the ribophosphate backbone.

Many of the modifications described below that occur within a nucleic acid will be repeated within a polynucleotide molecule, such as a modification of a base, or a phosphate moiety, or the a non-linking O of a phosphate moiety. In some cases the modification will occur at all of the possible positions/nucleotides in the polynucleotide but in many cases it will not. A modification may only occur at a 3⋅ or 5⋅ terminal position, may only occur in a terminal regions, such as at a position on a terminal nucleotide or in the last 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 nucleotides of a strand. A modification may occur in a double strand region, a single strand region, or in both. A modification may occur only in the double strand region of a nucleic acid of the invention or may only occur in a single strand region of an nucleic acid of the invention. A phosphorothioate modification at a non-linking O position may only occur at one or both termini, may only occur in a terminal region, e.g., at a position on a terminal nucleotide or in the last 2, 3, 4 or 5 nucleotides of a strand, or may occur in duplex and/or in single strand regions, particularly at termini. The 5⋅ end or 3′ ends may be phosphorylated.

Stability of an nucleic acid of the invention may be increased by including particular bases in overhangs, or by including modified nucleotides, in single strand overhangs, e.g., in a 5⋅ or 3⋅ overhang, or in both. Purine nucleotides may be included in overhangs. All or some of the bases in a 3⋅ or 5⋅ overhang may be modified. Modifications can include the use of modifications at the 2⋅OH group of the ribose sugar, the use of deoxyribonucleotides, instead of ribonucleotides, and modifications in the phosphate group, such as phosphorothioate modifications. Overhangs need not be homologous with the target sequence.

The 5′- or 3′-overhangs at the sense strand, antisense strand or both strands of the dsRNA agent of the invention may be phosphorylated. In some embodiments, the overhang region contains two nucleotides having a phosphorothioate between the two nucleotides, where the two nucleotides can be the same or different. In one embodiment, the overhang is present at the 3′-end of the sense strand, antisense strand or both strands. In one embodiment, this 3′-overhang is present in the antisense strand. In one embodiment, this 3′-overhang is present in the sense strand.

Nucleases can hydrolyze nucleic acid phosphodiester bonds. However, chemical modifications to nucleic acids can confer improved properties, and, can render oligoribonucleotides more stable to nucleases.

Modified nucleic acids, as used herein, can include one or more of:

(i) alteration, e.g., replacement, of one or both of the non-linking phosphate oxygens and/or of one or more of the linking phosphate oxygens (referred to as linking even if at the 5′ and 3′ terminus of the nucleic acid of the invention);

(ii) alteration, e.g., replacement, of a constituent of the ribose sugar, e.g., of the 2⋅ hydroxyl on the ribose sugar;

(iii) replacement of the phosphate moiety with “dephospho” linkers;

(iv) modification or replacement of a naturally occurring base;

(v) replacement or modification of the ribose-phosphate backbone;

(vi) modification of the 3⋅ end or 5⋅ end of the RNA, e.g., removal, modification or replacement of a terminal phosphate group or conjugation of a moiety, e.g., a fluorescently labeled moiety, to either the 3⋅ or 5⋅ end of RNA.

The terms replacement, modification, alteration, indicate a difference from a naturally occurring molecule.

Specific modifications are discussed in more detail below.

Examples of modified phosphate groups include phosphorothioate, phosphoroselenates, borano phosphates, borano phosphate esters, hydrogen phosphonates, phosphoroamidates, alkyl or aryl phosphonates and phosphotriesters. Phosphorodithioates have both non-linking oxygens replaced by sulphur. One, each or both non-linking oxygens in the phosphate group can be independently any one of S, Se, B, C, H, N, or OR (R is alkyl or aryl).

The phosphate linker can also be modified by replacement of a linking oxygen with nitrogen (bridged phosphoroamidates), sulfur (bridged phosphorothioates) and carbon (bridged methylenephosphonates). The replacement can occur at a terminal oxygen. Replacement of the non-linking oxygens with nitrogen is possible.

A modified nucleotide can include modification of the sugar groups. The 2⋅ hydroxyl group (OH) can be modified or replaced with a number of different “oxy” or “deoxy” substituents.

Examples of “oxy”-2⋅ hydroxyl group modifications include alkoxy or aryloxy (OR, e.g., R⋅ H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl or sugar); polyethyleneglycols (PEG), O(CH2CH2O)_(n)CH2CH2OR; “locked” nucleic acids (LNA) in which the 2⋅ hydroxyl is connected, e.g., by a methylene bridge, to the 4⋅ carbon of the same ribose sugar; O-AMINE (AMINE=NH₂; alkylamino, dialkylamino, heterocyclyl, arylamino, diaryl amino, heteroaryl amino, or diheteroaryl amino, ethylene diamine, polyamino) and aminoalkoxy, O(CH₂)nAMINE, (e.g., AMINE=NH₂; alkylamino, dialkylamino, heterocyclyl, arylamino, diaryl amino, heteroaryl amino, or diheteroaryl amino, ethylene diamine, polyamino).

“Deoxy” modifications include hydrogen halo; amino (e.g., NH₂; alkylamino, dialkylamino, heterocyclyl, arylamino, diaryl amino, heteroaryl amino, diheteroaryl amino, or amino acid); NH(CH₂CH₂NH)_(n)CH₂CH₂-AMINE (AMINE=NH₂; alkylamino, dialkylamino, heterocyclyl, arylamino, diaryl amino, heteroaryl amino, or diheteroaryl amino), —NHC(O)R (R=alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl or sugar), cyano; mercapto; alkyl-thio-alkyl; thioalkoxy; and alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl, which may be optionally substituted with e.g., an amino functionality. Other substitutents of certain embodiments include 2⋅methoxyethyl, 2⋅OCH₃, 2⋅O-allyl, 2⋅C-allyl, and 2⋅fluoro.

The sugar group can also contain one or more carbons that possess the opposite stereochemical configuration than that of the corresponding carbon in ribose. Thus, a modified nucleotides may contain a sugar such as arabinose.

Modified nucleotides can also include “abasic” sugars, which lack a nucleobase at C—I⋅. These abasic sugars can further contain modifications at one or more of the constituent sugar atoms.

The 2⋅ modifications may be used in combination with one or more phosphate linker modifications (e.g., phosphorothioate).

The phosphate group can be replaced by non-phosphorus containing connectors.

Examples of moieties which can replace the phosphate group include siloxane, carbonate, carboxymethyl, carbamate, amide, thioether, ethylene oxide linker, sulfonate, sulfonamide, thioformacetal, formacetal, oxime, methyleneimino, methylenemethylimino, methylenehydrazo, methylenedimethylhydrazo and methyleneoxymethylimino. In certain embodiments, replacements may include the methylenecarbonylamino and methylenemethylimino groups.

The phosphate linker and ribose sugar may be replaced by nuclease resistant nucleotides.

Examples include the morpholino, cyclobutyl, pyrrolidine and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) nucleoside surrogates. In certain embodiments, PNA surrogates may be used.

The 3⋅ and 5⋅ ends of an oligonucleotide can be modified. Such modifications can be at the 3⋅ end or the 5⋅ end or both ends of the molecule. They can include modification or replacement of an entire terminal phosphate or of one or more of the atoms of the phosphate group. For example, the 3⋅ and 5⋅ ends of an oligonucleotide can be conjugated to other functional molecular entities such as labeling moieties, e.g., fluorophores (e.g., pyrene, TAMRA, fluorescein, Cy3 or Cy5 dyes) or protecting groups (based e.g., on sulfur, silicon, boron or ester). The functional molecular entities can be attached to the sugar through a phosphate group and/or a linker. The terminal atom of the linker can connect to or replace the linking atom of the phosphate group or the C-3⋅ or C-5⋅O, N, S or C group of the sugar. Alternatively, the linker can connect to or replace the terminal atom of a nucleotide surrogate (e.g., PNAs).

These spacers or linkers can include e.g., —(CH₂)_(n)—, —(CH₂)_(n)N—, —(CH₂)_(n)O—, —(CH₂)_(n)S—, O(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)CH₂CH₂OH (e.g., n=3 or 6), abasic sugars, amide, carboxy, amine, oxyamine, oxyimine, thioether, disulfide, thiourea, sulfonamide, or morpholino, or biotin and fluorescein reagents. The 3-end can be an —OH group.

Other examples of terminal modifications include dyes, intercalating agents (e.g., acridines), cross-linkers (e.g., psoralene, mitomycin C), porphyrins (TPPC4, texaphyrin, Sapphyrin), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., phenazine, dihydrophenazine), artificial endonucleases (e.g., EDTA), lipophilic carriers (e.g., cholesterol, cholic acid, adamantane acetic acid, 1-pyrene butyric acid, dihydrotestosterone, 1,3-Bis-O(hexadecyl)glycerol, geranyloxyhexyl group, hexadecylglycerol, bomeol, menthol, 1,3-propanediol, heptadecyl group, palmitic acid, myristic acid, O³-(oleoyl)lithocholic acid, O³-(oleoyl)cholenic acid, dimethoxytrityl, or phenoxazine) and peptide conjugates (e.g., antennapedia peptide, Tat peptide), alkylating agents, phosphate, amino, mercapto, PEG (e.g., PEG-40K), MPEG, [MPEG]₂, polyamino, alkyl, substituted alkyl, radiolabeled markers, enzymes, haptens (e.g., biotin), transport/absorption facilitators (e.g., aspirin, vitamin E, folic acid), synthetic ribonucleases (e.g., imidazole, bisimidazole, histamine, imidazole clusters, acridine-imidazole conjugates, Eu³⁺ complexes of tetraazamacrocycles).

Terminal modifications can be added for a number of reasons, including to modulate activity or to modulate resistance to degradation. Terminal modifications useful for modulating activity include modification of the 5⋅ end with phosphate or phosphate analogs. Nucleic acids of the invention, on the first or second strand, may be 5⋅ phosphorylated or include a phosphoryl analog at the 5⋅prime terminus. 5⋅phosphate modifications include those which are compatible with RISC mediated gene silencing. Suitable modifications include: 5|monophosphate ((HO)₂(O)P—O-5⋅); 5⋅diphosphate ((HO)₂(O)P—O—P(HO)(O)—O-5⋅); 5⋅triphosphate ((HO)₂(O)P—O—(HO)(O)P—O—P(HO)(O)—O—5⋅); 5⋅guanosine cap (7-methylated or non-methylated) (7m-G-O—5⋅(HO)(O)P—O—(HO)(O)P—O—P(HO)(O)—O—5⋅); 5-adenosine cap (Appp), and any modified or unmodified nucleotide cap structure (N—O—5⋅(HO)(O)P—O—(HO)(O)P—O—P(HO)(O)—O—5⋅); 5⋅monothiophosphate (phosphorothioate; (HO)₂(S)P—O-5⋅); 5⋅monodithiophosphate (phosphorodithioate; (HO)(HS)(S)P—O—5⋅), 5⋅phosphorothiolate ((HO)₂(O)P—S—5⋅); any additional combination of oxygen/sulfur replaced monophosphate, diphosphate and triphosphates (e.g., 5-alpha-thiotriphosphate, 5-gamma-thiotriphosphate, etc.), 5-phosphoramidates ((HO)₂(O)P—NH-5⋅, (HO)(NH₂)(O)P—O—5⋅), 5-alkylphosphonates (R=alkyl=methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, propyl, etc., e.g., RP(OH)(O)—O—5⋅, (OH)₂(O)P-5⋅CH₂—), 5′vinylphosphonate, 5⋅alkyletherphosphonates (R=alkylether=methoxymethyl (MeOCH₂—), ethoxymethyl, etc., e.g., RP(OH)(O)—O—5⋅).

The nucleic acid of the present invention may include one or more phosphorothioate modifications on one or more of the terminal ends of the first and/or the second strand. Optionally, each or either end of the first strand may comprise one or two or three phosphorothioate modified nucleotides. Optionally, each or either end of the second strand may comprise one or two or three phosphorothioate modified nucleotides. Optionally, both ends of the first strand and the 5′ end of the second strand may comprise two phosphorothioate modified nucleotides. By phosphorothioate modified nucleotide it is meant that the linkage between the nucleotide and the adjacent nucleotide comprises a phosphorothioate group instead of a standard phosphate group.

Terminal modifications can also be useful for monitoring distribution, and in such cases the groups to be added may include fluorophores, e.g., fluorescein or an Alexa dye. Terminal modifications can also be useful for enhancing uptake, useful modifications for this include cholesterol. Terminal modifications can also be useful for cross-linking an RNA agent to another moiety.

Nucleotides

Adenine, guanine, cytosine and uracil are the most common bases found in RNA. These bases can be modified or replaced to provide RNA's having improved properties. E.g., nuclease resistant oligoribonucleotides can be prepared with these bases or with synthetic and natural nucleobases (e.g., inosine, thymine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, nubularine, isoguanisine, or tubercidine) and any one of the above modifications. Alternatively, substituted or modified analogs of any of the above bases and “universal bases” can be employed. Examples include 2-aminoadenine, 6-methyl and other alkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine, 2-propyl and other alkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine, 5-halouracil and cytosine, 5-propynyl uracil and cytosine, 6-azo uracil, cytosine and thymine, 5-uracil (pseudouracil), 4-thiouracil, 5-halouracil, 5-(2-aminopropyl)uracil, 5-amino allyl uracil, 8-halo, amino, thiol, thioalkyl, hydroxyl and other 8-substituted adenines and guanines, 5-trifluoromethyl and other 5-substituted uracils and cytosines, 7-methylguanine, 5-substituted pyrimidines, 6-azapyrimidines and N-2, N-6 and O-6 substituted purines, including 2-aminopropyladenine, 5-propynyluracil and 5-propynylcytosine, dihydrouracil, 3-deaza-5-azacytosine, 2-aminopurine, 5-alkyluracil, 7-alkylguanine, 5-alkyl cytosine, 7-deazaadenine, N6,N6-dimethyladenine, 2,6-diaminopurine, 5-amino-allyl-uracil, N3-methyluracil, substituted 1,2,4-triazoles, 2-pyridinone, 5-nitroindole, 3-nitropyrrole, 5-methoxyuracil, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid, 5-methoxycarbonylmethyluracil, 5-methyl-2-thiouracil, 5-methoxycarbonylmethyl-2-thiouracil, 5-methylaminomethyl-2-thiouracil, 3-(3-amino-3-carboxypropyl)uracil, 3-methylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine, N<4>-acetyl cytosine, 2-thiocytosine, N6-methyladenine, N6-isopentyladenine, 2-methylthio-N6-isopentenyladenine, N-methylguanines, or O-alkylated bases.

As used herein, the terms “non-pairing nucleotide analogue” means a nucleotide analogue which includes a non-base pairing moiety including but not limited to: 6 des amino adenosine (Nebularine), 4-Me-indole, 3-nitropyrrole, 5-nitroindole, Ds, Pa, N3-Me ribo U, N3-Me riboT, N3-Me dC, N3-Me-dT, N1-Me-dG, N1-Me-dA, N3-ethyl-dC, N3-Me dC. In some embodiments the non-base pairing nucleotide analog is a ribonucleotide. In other embodiments it is a deoxyribonucleotide.

As used herein, the term, “terminal functional group” includes without limitation a halogen, alcohol, amine, carboxylic, ester, amide, aldehyde, ketone, ether groups.

Certain moieties may be linked to the 5′ terminus of the first strand or the second strand and includes abasic ribose moiety, abasic deoxyribose moiety, modifications abasic ribose and abasic deoxyribose moieties including 2⋅O alkyl modifications; inverted abasic ribose and abasic deoxyribose moieties and modifications thereof, C6-imino-Pi; a mirror nucleotide including L-DNA and L-RNA; 5⋅OMe nucleotide; and nucleotide analogs including 4⋅,5⋅ methylene nucleotide; 1-(⋅-D-erythrofuranosyl)nucleotide; 4⋅thio nucleotide, carbocyclic nucleotide; 5⋅amino-alkyl phosphate; 1,3-diamino-2-propyl phosphate, 3-aminopropyl phosphate; 6-aminohexyl phosphate; 12-aminododecyl phosphate; hydroxypropyl phosphate; 1,5-anhydrohexitol nucleotide; alpha-nucleotide; threo-pentofuranosyl nucleotide; acyclic 3⋅,4⋅ seco nucleotide; 3,4-dihydroxybutyl nucleotide; 3,5-dihydroxypentyl nucleotide, 5-5-inverted abasic moiety; 1,4-butanediol phosphate; 5⋅amino; and bridging or non bridging methylphosphonate and 5⋅mercapto moieties.

The nucleic acids of the invention may be included one or more inverted nucleotides, for example inverted thymidine or inverted adenine (for example see Takei, et al., 2002. JBC 277 (26):23800-06).

As used herein, the term “inhibit”, “down-regulate”, or “reduce” with respect to gene expression means the expression of the gene, or level of RNA molecules or equivalent RNA molecules encoding one or more proteins or protein subunits (e.g., mRNA), or activity of one or more proteins, protein subunits or peptides, is reduced below that observed in the absence of a nucleic acid of the invention or in reference to an siRNA molecule with no known homology to human transcripts (herein termed non-silencing control). Such control may be conjugated and modified in an analogous manner to the molecule of the invention and delivered into the target cell by the same route; for example the expression may be reduced to 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 15% or an intermediate value, in the absence of the nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid of the invention, or in the presence of a non-silencing control.

The nucleic acid of the present invention may comprise an abasic nucleotide. The term “abasic” as used herein, refers to moieties lacking a base or having other chemical groups in place of a base at the 1′ position, for example a 3′,3′-linked or 5′,5′-linked deoxyabasic ribose derivative.

The nucleic acid may comprise one or more nucleotides on the second and/or first strands that are modified. Alternating nucleotides may be modified, to form modified nucleotides.

Alternating as described herein means to occur one after another in a regular way. In other words, alternating means to occur in turn repeatedly. For example if one nucleotide is modified, the next contiguous nucleotide is not modified and the following contiguous nucleotide is modified and so on. One nucleotide may be modified with a first modification, the next contiguous nucleotide may be modified with a second modification and the following contiguous nucleotide is modified with the first modification and so on, where the first and second modifications are different.

One or more of the odd numbered nucleotides of the first strand of the nucleic acid of the invention may be modified wherein the first strand is numbered 5′ to 3′. The term “odd numbered” as described herein means a number not divisible by two. Examples of odd numbers are 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and so on. One or more of the even numbered nucleotides of the first strand of the nucleic acid of the invention may be modified, wherein the first strand is numbered 5′ to 3′. The term “even numbered” as described herein means a number which is evenly divisible by two. Examples of even numbers are 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and so on. One or more of the odd numbered nucleotides of the second strand of the nucleic acid of the invention may be modified wherein the second strand is numbered 3′ to 5′. One or more of the even numbered nucleotides of the second strand of the nucleic acid of the invention may be modified, wherein the second strand is numbered 3′ to 5′.

One or more nucleotides on the first and/or second strand may be modified, to form modified nucleotides. One or more of the odd numbered nucleotides of the first strand may be modified. One or more of the even numbered nucleotides of the first strand may be modified by at least a second modification, wherein the at least second modification is different from the modification on the one or more add nucleotides. At least one of the one or more modified even numbered nucleotides may be adjacent to at least one of the one or more modified odd numbered nucleotides.

A plurality of odd numbered nucleotides in the first strand may be modified in the nucleic acid of the invention. A plurality of even numbered nucleotides in the first strand may be modified by a second modification. The first strand may comprise adjacent nucleotides that are modified by a common modification. The first strand may also comprise adjacent nucleotides that are modified by a second different modification.

One or more of the odd numbered nucleotides of the second strand may be modified by a modification that is different to the modification of the odd numbered nucleotides on the first strand and/or one or more of the even numbered nucleotides of the second strand may be by the same modification of the odd numbered nucleotides of the first strand. At least one of the one or more modified even numbered nucleotides of the second strand may be adjacent to the one or more modified odd numbered nucleotides. A plurality of odd numbered nucleotides of the second strand may be modified by a common modification and/or a plurality of even numbered nucleotides may be modified by the same modification that is present on the first stand odd numbered nucleotides. A plurality of odd numbered nucleotides on the second strand may be modified by a second modification, wherein the second modification is different from the modification of the first strand odd numbered nucleotides.

The second strand may comprise adjacent nucleotides that are modified by a common modification, which may be a second modification that is different from the modification of the odd numbered nucleotides of the first strand.

In the nucleic acid of the invention, each of the odd numbered nucleotides in the first strand and each of the even numbered nucleotides in the second strand may be modified with a common modification and, each of the even numbered nucleotides may be modified in the first strand with a second modification and each of the odd numbered nucleotides may be modified in the second strand with the second modification.

The nucleic acid of the invention may have the modified nucleotides of the first strand shifted by at least one nucleotide relative to the unmodified or differently modified nucleotides of the second strand.

One or more or each of the odd numbered nucleotides may be modified in the first strand and one or more or each of the even numbered nucleotides may be modified in the second strand. One or more or each of the alternating nucleotides on either or both strands may be modified by a second modification. One or more or each of the even numbered nucleotides may be modified in the first strand and one or more or each of the even numbered nucleotides may be modified in the second strand. One or more or each of the alternating nucleotides on either or both strands may be modified by a second modification. One or more or each of the odd numbered nucleotides may be modified in the first strand and one or more of the odd numbered nucleotides may be modified in the second strand by a common modification. One or more or each of the alternating nucleotides on either or both strands may be modified by a second modification. One or more or each of the even numbered nucleotides may be modified in the first strand and one or more or each of the odd numbered nucleotides may be modified in the second strand by a common modification. One or more or each of the alternating nucleotides on either or both strands may be modified by a second modification.

The nucleic acid of the invention may comprise single or double stranded constructs that comprise at least two regions of alternating modifications in one or both of the strands. These alternating regions can comprise up to about 12 nucleotides but preferably comprise from about 3 to about 10 nucleotides. The regions of alternating nucleotides may be located at the termini of one or both strands of the nucleic acid of the invention. The nucleic acid may comprise from 4 to about 10 nucleotides of alternating nucleotides at each termini (3′ and 5′) and these regions may be separated by from about 5 to about 12 contiguous unmodified or differently or commonly modified nucleotides.

The odd numbered nucleotides of the first strand may be modified and the even numbered nucleotides may be modified with a second modification. The second strand may comprise adjacent nucleotides that are modified with a common modification, which may be the same as the modification of the odd numbered nucleotides of the first strand. One or more nucleotides of second strand may also be modified with the second modification. One or more nucleotides with the second modification may be adjacent to each other and to nucleotides having a modification that is the same as the modification of the odd numbered nucleotides of the first strand. The first strand may also comprise phosphorothioate linkages between the two nucleotides at the 3′ end and at the 5′ end. The second strand may comprise a phosphorothioate linkage between the two nucleotides at 5′ end. The second strand may also be conjugated to a ligand at the 5′ end.

The nucleic acid of the invention may comprise a first strand comprising adjacent nucleotides that are modified with a common modification. One or more of such nucleotides may be adjacent to one or more nucleotides which may be modified with a second modification. One or more nucleotides with the second modification may be adjacent. The second strand may comprise adjacent nucleotides that are modified with a common modification, which may be the same as one of the modifications of one or more nucleotides of the first strand. One or more nucleotides of second strand may also be modified with the second modification. One or more nucleotides with the second modification may be adjacent. The first strand may also comprise phosphorothioate linkages between the two nucleotides at the 5′ end and at the 3′ end. The second strand may comprise a phosphorothioate linkage between the two nucleotides at 3′ end. The second strand may also be conjugated to a ligand at the 5′ end.

The nucleotides numbered from 5′ to 3′ on the first strand and 3′ and 5′ on the second strand, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 and 25 may be modified by a modification on the first strand. The nucleotides numbered 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 may be modified by a second modification on the first strand. The nucleotides numbered 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 may be modified by a modification on the second strand. The nucleotides numbered 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 may be modified by a second modification on the second strand. Nucleotides are numbered for the sake of the nucleic acid of the present invention from 5′ to 3′ on the first strand and 3′ and 5′ on the second strand

The nucleotides numbered 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 may be modified by a modification on the first strand. The nucleotides numbered 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 may be modified by a second modification on the first strand. The nucleotides numbered 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 may be modified by a modification on the second strand. The nucleotides numbered 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 may be modified by a second modification on the second strand.

Clearly, if the first and/or the second strand are shorter than 25 nucleotides in length, such as 19 nucleotides in length, there are no nucleotides numbered 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 to be modified. The skilled person understands the description above to apply to shorter strands, accordingly.

One or more modified nucleotides on the first strand may be paired with modified nucleotides on the second strand having a common modification. One or more modified nucleotides on the first strand may be paired with modified nucleotides on the second strand having a different modification. One or more modified nucleotides on the first strand may be paired with unmodified nucleotides on the second strand. One or more modified nucleotides on the second strand may be paired with unmodified nucleotides on the first strand. In other words, the alternating nucleotides can be aligned on the two strands such as, for example, all the modifications in the alternating regions of the second strand are paired with identical modifications in the first strand or alternatively the modifications can be offset by one nucleotide with the common modifications in the alternating regions of one strand pairing with dissimilar modifications (i.e. a second or further modification) in the other strand. Another option is to have dissimilar modifications in each of the strands.

The modifications on the first strand may be shifted by one nucleotide relative to the modified nucleotides on the second strand, such that common modified nucleotides are not paired with each other.

The modification and/or modifications may each and individually be selected from the group consisting of 3′-terminal deoxy-thymine, 2′-O-methyl, a 2′-deoxy-modification, a 2′-amino-modification, a 2′-alkyl-modification, a morpholino modification, a phosphoramidate modification, 5′-phosphorothioate group modification, a 5′ phosphate or 5′ phosphate mimic modification and a cholesteryl derivative or a dodecanoic acid bisdecylamide group modification and/or the modified nucleotide may be any one of a locked nucleotide, an abasic nucleotide or a non-natural base comprising nucleotide.

At least one modification may be 2′-O-methyl and/or at least one modification may be 2′-F. Further modifications as described herein may be present on the first and/or second strand.

Throughout the description of the invention, “same or common modification” means the same modification to any nucleotide, be that A, G, C or U modified with a group such as such as a methyl group or a fluoro group. Is it not taken to mean the same addition on the same nucleotide. For example, 2′F-dU, 2′F-dA, 2′F-dC, 2′F-dG are all considered to be the same or common modification, as are 2′-OMe-rU, 2′-OMe-rA; 2′-OMe-rC; 2′-OMe-rG. A 2′F modification is a different modification to a 2′OMe modification.

Some representative modified nucleic acid sequences of the present invention are shown in the examples. These examples are meant to be representative and not limiting.

Preferably, the nucleic acid may comprise a modification and the second or further modification which are each and individually selected from the group comprising 2′-O-methyl modification and 2′-F modification. The nucleic acid may comprise a modification that is 2′-O-methyl (2′OMe) that may be a first modification, and a second modification that is 2′-F. The nucleic acid of the invention may also include a phosphorothioate modification and/or a deoxy modification which may be present in or between the terminal 1, 2 or 3 nucleotides of each or any end of each or both strands.

The invention provides as a further aspect, a nucleic acid for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS6, comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID 317, 319, 321, 323, 325, 327, 329, 331, 333, 335, 337, 339, 341, 343, 345, 353, 356, 358, 360, 362, 364, 366, 368, 370, 372, 374, 376, 378, 380, 382, 384, 386, 388, 390, 392, 394, 396, 398, 400, 402, 404, 406, 407, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424, 426, 428, 430, 432, 434, 436, 438, 440, or 442, or SEQ ID 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 67, 69, 71, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 85, 87, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161, 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 181, 183, 185, 187, 189, 191, 193, 195, 197, 199, 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, 215, 217, 219, 221, 225, 227, 229, 231, 233, 235, 237, 239, 241, 243, 245, 247, 249, 251, 253, 255, 257, 259, 261, 263, 265, 267, 269, 270, 271, 273, 275, 277, 279, 281, 283, 285, 287, 289, 291, 293, 295, 297, 299, 301, 309, 311, 312, 313, 314, or 315, such as SEQ ID NO:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161, 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 181, 183, 185, 187, 189, 191, 193, 195, 197, 199, 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, or 215,

wherein the nucleotides of first strand are modified by a first modification on the odd numbered nucleotides, and modified by a second modification on the even numbered nucleotides, and nucleotides of the second strand are modified by a third modification on the even numbered nucleotides and modified by a fourth modification the odd numbered nucleotides, wherein at least the first modification is different to the second modification and the third modification is different to the fourth modification. The third and first modifications may be the same or different, the second and fourth modifications may be the same or different. The first and second modifications may be different to each other and the third and fourth modifications may be different to each other.

In a further aspect is provided a nucleic acid for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS6, wherein the second strand comprises a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342, 344, 346, 357, 359, 361, 363, 365, 367, 369, 371, 373, 375, 377, 379, 381, 383, 385, 387, 389, 391, 393, 395, 397, 399, 401, 403, 405, 407, 409, 411, 413, 415, 417, 419, 421, 423, 425, 427, 429, 431, 433, 435, 437, 439, 441, or 443, or a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID no 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 68, 70, 72, 75, 84, 86, 89, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262, 264, 266, 268, 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284, 286, 288, 290, 292, 294, 296, 298, 300, 302, 310, 312, 314, or 316, such as a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, or 216

wherein the nucleotides of first strand are modified by a first modification on the odd numbered nucleotides, and modified by a second modification on the even numbered nucleotides, and nucleotides of the second strand are modified by a third modification on the even numbered nucleotides and modified by a fourth modification the odd numbered nucleotides, wherein at least the first modification is different to the second modification and the third modification is different to the fourth modification. The third and first modifications may be the same or different, the second and fourth modifications may be the same or different. The first and second modifications may be different to each other and the third and fourth modifications may be different to each other. Suitably the nucleotide sequence of the second strand is complementary to the first strand. The nucleotides of first strand may be modified by first modification on the odd numbered nucleotides, and modified with a second modification on the even numbered nucleotides, and the second strand may be modified on the odd numbered nucleotides with the second modification and modified with the first modification the even numbered nucleotides. The first modification may be 2′OMe and the second modification may be 2′ F. The first strand may comprise the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 and/or the second strand may comprise the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18. The modifications may be those as set out in table 1.

The nucleic acid of the invention may be conjugated to a ligand.

Some ligands can have endosomolytic properties. The endosomolytic ligands promote the lysis of the endosome and/or transport of the composition of the invention, or its components, from the endosome to the cytoplasm of the cell. The endosomolytic ligand may be a polyanionic peptide or peptidomimetic which shows pH-dependent membrane activity and fusogenicity. The endosomolytic component may contain a chemical group which undergoes a change in charge or protonation in response to a change in pH. The endosomolytic component may be linear or branched.

Ligands can include therapeutic modifiers, e.g., for enhancing uptake; diagnostic compounds or reporter groups e.g., for monitoring distribution; cross-linking agents; and nuclease-resistance conferring moieties. General examples include lipids, steroids, vitamins, sugars, proteins, peptides, polyamines, and peptide mimics. Ligands can include a naturally occurring substance, such as a protein, carbohydrate, or lipid. The ligand may be a recombinant or synthetic molecule.

Ligands can also include targeting groups, e.g. a cell or tissue targeting agent. The targeting ligand may be a lectin, glycoprotein, lipid or protein.

Other examples of ligands include dyes, intercalating agents, cross-linkers, porphyrins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, artificial endonucleases or a chelator, lipophilic molecules, alkylating agents, phosphate, amino, mercapto, PEG, MPEG, alkyl, substituted alkyl, radiolabelled markers, enzymes, haptens, transport/absorption facilitators, synthetic ribonucleases, or imidazole clusters.

Ligands can be proteins, e.g. glycoproteins or peptides. Ligands may also be hormones or hormone receptors. They may also include non-peptidic species, such as lipids, lectins, carbohydrates, vitamins, or cofactors.

The ligand may be a substance such as a drug which can increase the uptake of the nucleic acid into a cell, for example, by disrupting the cell's cytoskeleton.

The ligand may increase uptake of the nucleic acid into the cell by activating an inflammatory response. Such ligands include tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta, or gamma interferon.

The ligand may be a lipid or lipid-based molecule. The lipid or lipid-based molecule preferably binds a serum protein. Preferably, the lipid-based ligand binds human serum albumin (HSA). A lipid or lipid-based molecule can increase resistance to degradation of the conjugate, increase targeting or transport into target cell, and/or can adjust binding to a serum protein. A lipid-based ligand can be used to modulate binding of the conjugate to a target tissue.

The ligand may be a steroid. Preferably, the ligand is cholesterol or a cholesterol derivative.

The ligand may be a moiety e.g. a vitamin, which is taken up by a target cell. Exemplary vitamins include vitamin A, E, K, and the B vitamins. Vitamins may be taken up by a proliferating cell, which may be useful for delivering the nucleic acid to cells such as malignant or non-malignant tumour cells.

The ligand may be a cell-permeation agent, such as a helical cell-permeation agent. Preferably such an agent is amphipathic.

The ligand may be a peptide or peptidomimetic. A peptidomimetic is a molecule capable of folding into a defined three-dimensional structure similar to a natural peptide. The peptide or peptidomimetic ligand may include naturally occurring or modified peptides, or both. A peptide or peptidomimetic can be a cell permeation peptide, cationic peptide, amphipathic peptide, or hydrophobic peptide. The peptide moiety can be a dendrimer peptide, constrained peptide, or crosslinked peptide. The peptide moiety can include a hydrophobic membrane translocation sequence. The peptide moiety can be a peptide capable of carrying large polar molecules such as peptides, oligonucleotides, and proteins across cell membranes, e.g. sequences from the HIV Tat protein (GRKKRRQRRRPPO) and the Drosophila Antennapedia protein (RQIKIWFQNRRMKWKK). Preferably the peptide or peptidomimetic is a cell targeting peptide, e.g. arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-peptide.

The ligand may be a cell permeation peptide that is capable of permeating, for example, a microbial cell or a mammalian cell.

The ligand may be a pharmacokinetic modulator. The pharmacokinetic modulator may be lipophiles, bile acids, steroids, phospholipid analogues, peptides, protein binding agents, PEG, vitamins, etc.

When two or more ligands are present, the ligands can all have the same properties, all have different properties, or some ligands have the same properties while others have different properties. For example, a ligand can have targeting properties, have endosomolytic activity or have PK modulating properties. In a preferred embodiment, all the ligands have different properties.

Ligands can be coupled to the nucleic acid at the 3′-end, 5′-end, and/or at an internal position. Preferably the ligand is coupled to the nucleic acid via an intervening tether or linker.

In some embodiments the nucleic acid is a double-stranded nucleic acid. In a double-stranded nucleic acid the ligand may be attached to one or both strands. In some embodiments, a double-stranded nucleic acid contains a ligand conjugated to the sense strand. In other embodiments, a double-stranded nucleic acid contains a ligand conjugated to the antisense strand.

Ligands can be conjugated to nucleobases, sugar moieties, or internucleosidic linkages of nucleic acid molecules. Conjugation to purine nucleobases or derivatives thereof can occur at any position including endocyclic and exocyclic atoms. Conjugation to pyrimidine nucleotides or derivatives thereof can also occur at any position. Conjugation to sugar moieties of nucleosides can occur at any carbon atom. Conjugation to internucleosidic linkages may occur at the phosphorus atom of a phosphorus-containing linkage or at an oxygen, nitrogen, or sulphur atom bonded to the phosphorus atom. For amine- or amide-containing internucleosidic linkages, conjugation may occur at the nitrogen atom of the amine or amide or to an adjacent carbon atom.

The ligand is typically a carbohydrate, e.g. a monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide, tetrasaccharide or polysaccharide. The ligand may be conjugated to the nucleic acid by a linker. The linker may be a monovalent, bivalent, or trivalent branched linker.

Efficient delivery of oligonucleotides, in particular double stranded nucleic acids of the invention, to cells in vivo is important and requires specific targeting and substantial protection from the extracellular environment, particularly serum proteins. One method of achieving specific targeting is to conjugate a ligand to the nucleic acid. The ligand helps in targeting the nucleic acid to the required target site. There is a need to conjugate appropriate ligands for the desired receptor molecules in order for the conjugated molecules to be taken up by the target cells by mechanisms such as different receptor-mediated endocytosis pathways or functionally analogous processes. The targeting moiety or ligand can be any moiety or ligand that is capable of targeting a specific receptor.

For example, the Asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R) is a high capacity receptor, which is highly abundant on hepatocytes. One of the first disclosures of triantennary cluster glycosides was in U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,968. Conjugates having three GalNAc ligands and comprising phosphate groups are known and are described in Dubber et al. (2003, Bioconjug. Chem. 2003 January-February; 14(1):239-46.). The ASGP-R shows a 50-fold higher affinity for N-Acetyl-D-Galactosylamine (GalNAc) than D-Gal.

Hepatocytes expressing the lectin (asialoglycoprotein receptor; ASGPR), which recognizes specifically terminal ⋅-galactosyl subunits of glycosylated proteins or other oligosaccharides (Weigel, P. H. et. al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 2002 Sep. 19; 1572(2-3):341-63), can be used for targeting a drug to the liver by covalent coupling of galactose or galactoseamine to the drug substance (Ishibashi, S.; et. al., J Biol. Chem. 1994 Nov. 11; 269(45):27803-6)). Furthermore the binding affinity can be significantly increased by the multi-valency effect, which is achieved by the repetition of the targeting unit (E. A. L. Biessen et. al., 1995).

The ASGPR is a mediator for an active endosomal transport of terminal ⋅-galactosyl containing glycoproteins, thus ASGPR is highly suitable for targeted delivery of drug candidates like nucleic acid, which have to be delivered into a cell (Akinc et al.).

The ligand may be attached to the nucleic acid of the invention via a linker, which may be a bivalent or trivalent or tetramer branched linker.

The saccharide, which can also be referred to as the ligand, may be selected to have an affinity for at least one type of receptor on a target cell. In particular, the receptor is on the surface of a mammalian liver cell, for example, the hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R).

The saccharide may be selected from N-acetyl galactoseamine, mannose, galactose, glucose, glucosamone and fucose. The saccharide may be N-acetyl galactoseamine (GalNAc).

A ligand for use in the present invention may therefore comprise (i) one or more N-acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc) moieties and derivatives thereof, and (ii) a linker, wherein the linker conjugates the GalNAc moieties to a sequence as defined in any preceding aspects. The linker may be a bivalent or trivalent or tetravalent branched structure. The nucleotides may be modified as defined herein.

“GalNAc” refers to 2-(Acetylamino)-2-deoxy-D-galactopyranose, commonly referred to in the literature as N-acetyl galactosamine. Reference to “GalNAc” or “N-acetyl galactoseamine” includes both the ⋅-form: 2-(Acetylamino)-2-deoxy-⋅-D-galactopyranose and the ⋅-form: 2-(Acetylamino)-2-deoxy-⋅-D-galactopyranose. Both the ⋅-form: 2-(Acetylamino)-2-deoxy-⋅-D-galactopyranose and ⋅-form: 2-(Acetylamino)-2-deoxy-⋅-D-galactopyranose may be used interchangeably. Preferably, the compounds of the invention comprise the ⋅-form, 2-(Acetylamino)-2-deoxy-⋅-D-galactopyranose.

The ligand may comprise GalNAc.

The ligand may comprise a compound of formula I:

[S—X¹—P—X²]₃—A—X³—  (I)

wherein:

-   -   S represents a saccharide, wherein the saccharide is N-acetyl         galactosamine;     -   X¹ represents C₃-C₆ alkylene or (—CH₂CHO)_(m)(—CH₂)₂— wherein m         is 1, 2, or 3;     -   P is a phosphate or modified phosphate (preferably a         thiophosphate);     -   X² is alkylene or an alkylene ether of the formula         (—CH₂)_(n)—O—CH₂— where n=1-6;     -   A is a branching unit;     -   X³ represents a bridging unit;     -   wherein a nucleic acid according to the present invention is         conjugated to X³ via a phosphate or modified phosphate         (preferably a thiophosphate).

In formula I, branching unit “A” branches into three in order to accommodate the three saccharide moieties. The branching unit is covalently attached to the remaining tethered portions of the ligand and the nucleic acid. The branching unit may comprise a branched aliphatic group comprising groups selected from alkyl, amide, disulphide, polyethylene glycol, ether, thioether and hydroxyamino groups. The branching unit may comprise groups selected from alkyl and ether groups.

The branching unit A may have a structure selected from:

wherein each A₁ independently represents O, S, C⋅O or NH; and

each n independently represents an integer from 1 to 20.

The branching unit may have a structure selected from:

wherein each A₁ independently represents O, S, C⋅O or NH; and

each n independently represents an integer from 1 to 20.

The branching unit may have a structure selected from:

wherein A₁ is O, S, C⋅O or NH; and

each n independently represents an integer from 1 to 20.

The branching unit may have the structure:

The branching unit may have the structure:

The branching unit may have the structure:

Optionally, the branching unit consists of only a carbon atom.

The “X³” portion of the compounds of formula I is a bridging unit. The bridging unit is linear and is covalently bound to the branching unit and the nucleic acid.

X³ may be selected from —C₁-C₂₀ alkylene-, —C₂-C₂₀ alkenylene-, an alkylene ether of formula —(C₁-C₂₀ alkylene)-O—(C₁-C₂₀ alkylene)-, —C(O)—C₁-C₂₀ alkylene-, —C₀-C₄ alkylene(Cy)C₀-C₄ alkylene- wherein Cy represents a substituted or unsubstituted 5 or 6 membered cycloalkylene, arylene, heterocyclylene or heteroarylene ring, —C₁-C₄ alkylene-NHC(O)—C₁-C₄ alkylene-, —C₁-C₄ alkylene-C(O)NH—C₁-C₄ alkylene-, —C₁-C₄ alkylene-SC(O)—C₁-C₄ alkylene-, —C₁-C₄ alkylene-C(O)S—C₁-C₄ alkylene-, —C₁-C₄ alkylene-OC(O)—C₁-C₄ alkylene-, —C₁-C₄ alkylene-C(O)O—C₁-C₄ alkylene-, and —C₁-C₆ alkylene-S—S—C₁-C₆ alkylene-.

X³ may be an alkylene ether of formula —(C₁-C₂₀ alkylene)-O—(C₁-C₂₀ alkylene)-. X³ may be an alkylene ether of formula —(C₁-C₂₀ alkylene)-O—(C₄-C₂₀ alkylene)-, wherein said (C₄-C₂₀ alkylene) is linked to Z. X³ may be selected from the group consisting of —CH₂—O—C₃H₆—, —CH₂—O—C₄H₈—, —CH₂—O—C₆H₁₂— and —CH₂—O—C₈H₁₆—, especially —CH₂—O—C₄H₈—, —CH₂—O—C₆H₁₂— and —CH₂—O—C₈H₁₆—, wherein in each case the —CH₂— group is linked to A.

The ligand may comprise a compound of formula (II):

[S—X¹—P—X²]₃—A—X³—  (II)

wherein:

-   -   S represents a saccharide;     -   X¹ represents C₃-C₆ alkylene or (—CH₂—CH₂—O)_(m)(—CH₂)₂— wherein         m is 1, 2, or 3;     -   P is a phosphate or modified phosphate (preferably a         thiophosphate);     -   X² is C₁-C₈ alkylene;     -   A is a branching unit selected from:

-   -   X³ is a bridging unit;     -   wherein a nucleic acid according to the present invention is         conjugated to X³ via a phosphate or modified phosphate         (preferably a thiophosphate).

Branching unit A may have the structure:

Branching unit A may have the structure:

wherein X³ is attached to the nitrogen atom.

X³ may be C₁-C₂₀ alkylene. Preferably. X³ is selected from the group consisting of —C₃H₆—, —C₄H₈—, —C₆H₁₂— and —C₈H₁₆—, especially —C₄H₈—, —C₆H₁₂— and —C₈H₁₆—.

The ligand may comprise a compound of formula (III):

[S—X¹—P—X²]₃—A—X³—  (III)

wherein:

-   -   S represents a saccharide;     -   X¹ represents C₃-C₆ alkylene or (—CH₂CH₂O)_(m)(—CH₂)₂— wherein m         is 1, 2, or 3;     -   P is a phosphate or modified phosphate (preferably a         thiophosphate);     -   X² is an alkylene ether of formula —C₃H₆—O—CH₂—;     -   A is a branching unit;     -   X³ is an alkylene ether of formula selected from the group         consisting of —CH₂—O—CH₂—, —CH₂—O—C₂H₄—, —CH₂—O—C₃H₆—,         —CH₂—O—C₄H₈—, —CH₂—O—C₅H₁₀—, —CH₂—O—C₈H₁₂—, —CH₂—O—     -   C₇H₁₄—, and —CH₂—O—C₈H₁₆—, wherein in each case the —CH₂— group         is linked to A,     -   Z is the nucleic acid;     -   and wherein the linkage between X³ and Z is a phosphate or         thiophosphate

The branching unit may comprise carbon. Preferably, the branching unit is carbon.

X³ may be selected from the group consisting of —CH₂—O—C₄H₈—, —CH₂O—C₅H₁₀—, —CH₂—O—C₆H₁₂—, —CH₂—O—C₇H₁₄—, and —CH₂O—C₈H₁₆—. Preferably, X³ is selected from the group consisting of —CH₂—O—C₄H₈—, —CH₂—O—C₆H₁₂— and —CH₂—O—C₈H₁₆.

For any of the above aspects, when P represents a modified phosphate group, P can be represented by:

wherein Y¹ and Y² each independently represent ⋅O, ⋅S, —O⁻, —OH, —SH, —BH₃, —OCH₂CO₂, —OCH₂CO₂R^(x), —OCH₂C(S)OR^(x), and —OR^(x), wherein R^(x) represents C₁-C₆ alkyl and wherein indicates attachment to the remainder of the compound.

By modified phosphate It is meant a phosphate group wherein one or more of oxygens is replaced. Examples of modified phosphate groups include phosphorothioate, phosphoroselenates, borano phosphates, borano phosphate esters, hydrogen phosphonates, phosphoroamidates, alkyl or aryl phosphonates and phosphotriesters. Phosphorodithioates have both non-linking oxygens replaced by sulphur. One, each or both non-linking oxygens in the phosphate group can be independently any one of S, Se, B, C, H, N, or OR (R is alkyl or aryl).

The phosphate linker can also be modified by replacement of a linking oxygen with nitrogen (bridged phosphoroamidates), sulfur (bridged phosphorothioates) and carbon (bridged methylenephosphonates). The replacement can occur at a terminal oxygen. Replacement of the non-linking oxygens with nitrogen is possible.

For example, Y¹ may represent —OH and Y² may represent ⋅O or ⋅S; or

Y¹ may represent —O⁻ and Y² may represent ⋅O or ⋅S;

Y¹ may represent ⋅O and Y² may represent —CH₃, —SH, —OR^(x), or —BH₃

Y¹ may represent ⋅S and Y² may represent —CH—, OR^(x) or —SH.

It will be understood by the skilled person that in certain instances there will be delocalisation between Y¹ and Y².

Preferably, the modified phosphate group is a thiophosphate group. Thiophosphate groups include bithiophosphate (i.e. where Y¹ represents ⋅S and Y² represents —S⁻) and monothiophosphate (i.e. where Y¹ represents —O⁻ and Y² represents ⋅S, or where Y¹ represents ⋅O and Y² represents —S⁻). Preferably, P is a monothiophosphate. The inventors have found that conjugates having thiophosphate groups in replacement of phosphate groups have improved potency and duration of action in vivo.

P may also be an ethylphosphate (i.e. where Y¹ represents ⋅O and Y² represents OCH₂CH₃).

The saccharide may be selected to have an affinity for at least one type of receptor on a target cell. In particular, the receptor is on the surface of a mammalian liver cell, for example, the hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R).

For any of the above aspects, the saccharide may be selected from N-acetyl with one or more of galactosamine, mannose, galactose, glucose, glucosamine and fructose. Preferably, the saccharide is two molecules of N-acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc). The compounds of the invention may have 3 ligands which are each preferably N-acetyl galactosamine.

“GalNAc” refers to 2-(Acetylamino)-2-deoxy-D-galactopyranose, commonly referred to in the literature as N-acetyl galactosamine. Reference to “GalNAc” or “N-acetyl galactosamine” includes both the ⋅-form: 2-(Acetylamino)-2-deoxy-⋅-D-galactopyranose and the ⋅-form: 2-(Acetylamino)-2-deoxy-⋅-D-galactopyranose. In certain embodiments, both the ⋅-form: 2-(Acetylamino)-2-deoxy-⋅-D-galactopyranose and ⋅-form: 2-(Acetylamino)-2-deoxy-⋅-D-galactopyranose may be used interchangeably. Preferably, the compounds of the invention comprise the ⋅-form, 2-(Acetylamino)-2-deoxy-⋅-D-galactopyranose.

For any of the above compounds of formula (III), X¹ may be (—CH₂—CH₂—O)(—CH₂)₂—. X¹ may be (—CH₂—CH₂—O)₂(—CH₂)₂—. X¹ may be (—CH₂—CH₂—O)₃(—CH₂)₂—. Preferably, X¹ is (—CH₂—CH₂—O)₂(—CH₂)₂—. Alternatively, X¹ represents C₃-C₆ alkylene. X¹ may be propylene. X¹ may be butylene. X¹ may be pentylene. X¹ may be hexylene. Preferably the alkyl is a linear alkylene. In particular. X¹ may be butylene.

For compounds of formula (III), X² represents an alkylene ether of formula —C₃H₆—O—CH₂— i.e. C₃ alkoxy methylene, or —CH₂CH₂CH₂OCH₂—.

The invention provides a conjugated nucleic acid having one of the following structures

wherein Z is a nucleic acid as defined herein before.

The invention provides, as another aspect, an nucleic acid for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS6 in a cell, comprising at least one duplex region that comprises at least a portion of a first strand and at least a portion of a second strand that is at least partially complementary to the first strand, wherein said first strand is at least partially complementary to at least a portion of a RNA transcribed from the TMPRSS6 gene, wherein said first strand comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the following sequences: SEQ ID NOs: 317, 319, 321, 323, 325, 327, 329, 331, 333, 335, 337, 339, 341, 343, 345, 353, 356, 358, 360, 362, 364, 366, 368, 370, 372, 374, 376, 378, 380, 382, 384, 386, 388, 390, 392, 394, 396, 398, 400, 402, 404, 406, 407, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424, 426, 428, 430, 432, 434, 436, 438, 440, or 442,

or selected from SEQ ID Nos 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 67, 69, 71, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 85, 87, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161, 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 181, 183, 185, 187, 189, 191, 193, 195, 197, 199, 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, 215, 217, 219, 221, 225, 227, 229, 231, 233, 235, 237, 239, 241, 243, 245, 247, 249, 251, 253, 255, 257, 259, 261, 263, 265, 267, 269, 270, 271, 273, 275, 277, 279, 281, 283, 285, 287, 289, 291, 293, 295, 297, 299, 301, 309, 311, 312, 313, 314, or 315,

such as selected from SEQ ID nos 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161, 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 181, 183, 185, 187, 189, 191, 193, 195, 197, 199, 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, or 215, wherein the nucleic acid is conjugated indirectly or directly to a ligand via a linker.

The second strand may comprise a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342, 344, 346, 357, 359, 361, 363, 365, 367, 369, 371, 373, 375, 377, 379, 381, 383, 385, 387, 389, 391, 393, 395, 397, 399, 401, 403, 405, 407, 409, 411, 413, 415, 417, 419, 421, 423, 425, 427, 429, 431, 433, 435, 437, 439, 441, or 443, or selected from SEQ ID NO 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 68, 70, 72, 75, 84, 86, 89, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262, 264, 266, 268, 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284, 286, 288, 290, 292, 294, 296, 298, 300, 302, 310, 312, 314, or 316,

such as selected from SEQ ID NO 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, or 216.

The nucleic acid may be conjugated to a ligand as herein described.

The nucleotides of the first and/or second strand may be modified, as herein described.

Preferably, the nucleic acid comprises SEQ ID NO:17 and SEQ ID NO:18 conjugated to a ligand of formula I (as set out above), and wherein the first strand is modified with a 2′OMe modification on the odd numbered nucleotides, and modified with a 2′F on the even numbered nucleotides, and the second strand is modified with a 2′OMe on the even numbered nucleotides and modified with a 2′F on the odd numbered nucleotides.

More preferably, the nucleic acid comprises SEQ ID NO:17 and SEQ ID NO:18, wherein the nucleic acid is conjugated to a ligand of formula I (as set out above), and furthermore wherein the nucleic acid has a modification pattern as shown below which is an extract of Table 1 as herein provided.

SEQ ID NO: 17 5′aaccagaagaagcagguga 3′ 6273646282647284546 SEQ ID NO: 18 5′ucaccugcuucuucugguu 3′ 1727354715351718451

wherein the specific modifications are depicted by numbers

1=2′F-dU,

2=2′F-dA,

3=2′F-dC,

4=2′F-dG,

5=2′-OMe-rU;

6=2′-OMe-rA;

7=2′-OMe-rC;

8=2′-OMe-rG.

The ligand may comprise GalNAc and FIG. 8a or FIG. 8b further illustrate the present invention.

Other preferred nucleic acids are listed above.

A cleavable linking group is a linker which is stable outside the cell but is cleaved upon entry into a target cell. Cleavage releases the two parts the linker is holding together.

In a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid of the invention comprises a cleavable linking group that is cleaved at least 10 times or more, preferably at least 100-fold faster in a target cell or under a first reference condition (which can, for example, be selected to mimic or represent intracellular conditions) than in the blood of a subject, or under a second reference condition (which can, for example, be selected to mimic or represent conditions found in the blood or serum).

Cleavable linking groups are susceptible to cleavage agents, e.g. pH, redox potential, or the presence of degradative molecules. Degradative molecules include oxidative or reductive enzymes, reductive agents (such as mercaptans), esterases, endosomes or agents than can create an acidic environment, enzymes that can hydrolyze or degrade an acid cleavable linking group by acting as a general acid, peptidases, and phosphatases.

A cleavable linking group may be a disulphide bond, which is susceptible to pH.

A linker may include a cleavable linking group that is cleavable by a particular enzyme. The type of cleavable linking group incorporated into a linker can depend on the target cell. For example, a linker that includes an ester group is preferred when a liver cell is the target. Linkers that contain peptide bonds can be used when targeting cells rich in peptidases, such as liver cells and synoviocytes.

In general, the suitability of a candidate cleavable linking group can be evaluated by testing the ability of a degradative agent (or condition) to cleave the candidate linking group. It will also be desirable to also test the candidate cleavable linking group for the ability to resist cleavage in the blood or when in contact with other non-target tissue. In preferred embodiments, useful candidate compounds are cleaved at least 2, 4, 10 or 100 times faster in the cell (or under in vitro conditions selected to mimic intracellular conditions) as compared to blood or serum (or under in vitro conditions selected to mimic extracellular conditions).

In one aspect, the cleavable linking group may be a redox cleavable linking group. The redox cleavable linking group may be a disulphide linking group.

In one aspect, the linking group may be a phosphate-based cleavable linking group. Preferred embodiments are —O—P(O)(OH)—O—, —O—P(S)(OH)—O—, —O—P(S)(SH)—O—, —S—P(O)(OH)—O—, —O—P(O)(OH)—S—, —S—P(O)(OH)—S—, —O—P(S)(OH)—S—, —S—P(S)(OH)—O—, —O—⋅(O)(⋅)—O—, —O—P(S)(H)—O—, —S—P(O)(H)—O—, —S—P(S)(H)—O—, —S—P(O)(H)—S—, —O—P(S)(H)—S—. A preferred embodiment is —O—P(O)(OH)—O—.

In one aspect, the cleavable linking group may be an acid cleavable linking group. Preferably the acid cleavable linking group are cleaved in environments where the pH is 6.5 or lower, or are cleaved by agents such as enzymes that can act as a general acid. Examples of acid cleavable linking groups include but are not limited to hydrazones, esters, and esters of amino acids. Acid cleavable groups can have the general formula —C⋅NN—; C(O)O, or —OC(O). A preferred embodiment is a linking group where the carbon attached to the oxygen of the ester (the alkoxy group) is an aryl group, substituted alkyl group, or tertiary alkyl group such as dimethyl pentyl or t-butyl.

In one embodiment, the cleavable linking group may be an ester-based cleavable linking group. Examples of ester-based cleavable linking groups include but are not limited to esters of alkylene, alkenylene and alkynylene groups.

In one embodiment, the cleavable linking group may be a peptide-based cleavable linking group. Peptide-based cleavable linking groups are peptide bonds formed between amino acids to yield oligopeptides (e.g., dipeptides, tripeptides etc.) and polypeptides. The peptide based cleavage group is generally limited to the peptide bond (i.e., the amide bond) formed between amino acids yielding peptides and proteins and does not include the entire amide functional group. Peptide-based cleavable linking groups have the general formula —NHCHR^(A)C(O)NHCHR^(B)C(O)—, where RA and RB are the R groups of the two adjacent amino acids.

The nucleic acid as described herein may be formulated with a lipid in the form of a liposome. Such a formulation may be described in the art as a lipoplex. The formulation with a lipid/liposome may be used to assist with delivery of the nucleic acid of the invention to the target cells. The lipid delivery system herein described may be used as an alternative to a conjugated ligand. The modifications herein described may be present when using the nucleic acid of the invention with a lipid delivery system or with a ligand conjugate delivery system.

Such a lipoplex may comprise a lipid formulation comprising:

-   -   i) a cationic lipid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt         thereof;     -   ii) a steroid;     -   iii) a phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipid;     -   iv) a PEGylated lipid.

The cationic lipid may be an amino cationic lipid.

The cationic lipid may have the formula (I):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

X represents O, S or NH;

R¹ and R² each independently represents a C₄-C₂₂ linear or branched alkyl chain or a C₄-C₂₂ linear or branched alkenyl chain with one or more double bonds, wherein the alkyl or alkenyl chain optionally contains an intervening ester, amide or disulfide;

when X represents S or NH, R³ and R⁴ each independently represent hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, a mono- or polyamine moiety, or Ra and R⁴ together form a heterocyclyl ring;

when X represents O, R³ and R⁴ each independently represent hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, a mono- or polyamine moiety, or R³ and R⁴ together form a heterocyclyl ring, or R³ represents hydrogen and R⁴ represents C(NH)(NH₂).

The cationic lipid may have the formula (IA):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The cationic lipid may have the formula (IB):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The content of the cationic lipid component may be from about 55 mol % to about 65 mol % of the overall lipid content of the formulation. In particular, the cationic lipid component is about 59 mol % of the overall lipid content of the formulation.

The formulations further comprise a steroid. The steroid may be cholesterol. The content of the steroid may be from about 26 mol % to about 35 mol % of the overall lipid content of the lipid formulation. More particularly, the content of steroid may be about 30 mol % of the overall lipid content of the lipid formulation.

The phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipid may be selected from group consisting of 1,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DPhyPE), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE), 1,2-Dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DLPE), 1,2-Dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DMPE), 1,2-Dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DPPE), 1,2-Dilinoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DLoPE), 1-Palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (POPE), 1,2-Dierucoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DEPE), 1,2-Disqualeoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSOPE) and 1-Stearoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (SLPE). The content of the phospholipid may be about 10 mol % of the overall lipid content of the formulation.

The PEGylated lipid may be selected from the group consisting of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycerol, methoxypolyethylene glycol (DMG-PEG) and C16-Ceramide-PEG. The content of the PEGylated lipid may be about 1 to 5 mol % of the overall lipid content of the formulation.

The content of the cationic lipid component in the composition may be from about 55 mol % to about 65 mol % of the overall lipid content of the lipid formulation, preferably about 59 mol % of the overall lipid content of the lipid formulation.

The formulation may have a molar ratio of the components of i):ii):iii):iv) selected from 55:34:10:1; 56:33:10:1; 57:32:10:1; 58:31:10:1; 59:30:10:1; 60:29:10:1; 61:28:10:1; 62:27:10:1; 63:26:10:1; 64:25:10:1; and 65:24:10:1.

The composition may comprise a cationic lipid having the structure

a steroid having the structure

a phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipid having the structure;

and a PEGylated lipid having the structure;

Neutral liposome compositions may be formed from, for example, dimyristoyl phosphatidyicholine (DMPC) or dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC). Anionic liposome compositions may be formed from dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol, while anionic fusogenic liposomes may be formed primarily from dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE). Another type of liposomal composition may be formed from phosphatidylcholine (PC) such as, for example, soybean PC, and egg PC. Another type is formed from mixtures of phospholipid and/or phosphatidylcholine and/or cholesterol.

A positively charged synthetic cationic lipid, N—[I-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-⋅, ⋅, ⋅-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA) can be used to form small liposomes that interact spontaneously with nucleic acid to form lipid-nucleic acid complexes which are capable of fusing with the negatively charged lipids of the cell membranes of tissue culture cells. DOTMA analogues can also be used to form liposomes.

Derivatives and analogues of lipids described herein may also be used to form liposomes.

A liposome containing a nucleic acid can be prepared by a variety of methods. In one example, the lipid component of a liposome is dissolved in a detergent so that micelles are formed with the lipid component. For example, the lipid component can be an amphipathic cationic lipid or lipid conjugate. The detergent can have a high critical micelle concentration and may be nonionic. Exemplary detergents include cholate, CHAPS, octylglucoside, deoxycholate, and lauroyl sarcosine. The nucleic acid preparation is then added to the micelles that include the lipid component. The cationic groups on the lipid interact with the nucleic acid and condense around the nucleic acid to form a liposome. After condensation, the detergent is removed, e.g., by dialysis, to yield a liposomal preparation of nucleic acid.

If necessary a carrier compound that assists in condensation can be added during the condensation reaction, e.g., by controlled addition. For example, the carrier compound can be a polymer other than a nucleic acid (e.g., spermine or spermidine). pH can also be adjusted to favour condensation.

Nucleic acid formulations may include a surfactant. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid is formulated as an emulsion that includes a surfactant.

A surfactant that is not ionized is a non-ionic surfactant. Examples include non-ionic esters, such as ethylene glycol esters, propylene glycol esters, glyceryl esters etc., nonionic alkanolamides, and ethers such as fatty alcohol ethoxylates, propoxylated alcohols, and ethoxylated/propoxylated block polymers.

A surfactant that carries a negative charge when dissolved or dispersed in water is an anionic surfactant. Examples include carboxylates, such as soaps, acyl lactylates, acyl amides of amino acids, esters of sulfuric acid such as alkyl sulfates and ethoxylated alkyl sulfates, sulfonates such as alkyl benzene sulfonates, acyl isethionates, acyl taurates and sulfosuccinates, and phosphates.

A surfactant that carries a positive charge when dissolved or dispersed in water is a cationic surfactant. Examples include quaternary ammonium salts and ethoxylated amines.

A surfactant that has the ability to carry either a positive or negative charge is an amphoteric surfactant. Examples include acrylic acid derivatives, substituted alkylamides, N-alkylbetaines and phosphatides.

“Micelles” are defined herein as a particular type of molecular assembly in which amphipathic molecules are arranged in a spherical structure such that all the hydrophobic portions of the molecules are directed inward, leaving the hydrophilic portions in contact with the surrounding aqueous phase. The converse arrangement exists if the environment is hydrophobic. A micelle may be formed by mixing an aqueous solution of the nucleic acid, an alkali metal alkyl sulphate, and at least one micelle forming compound.

Exemplary micelle forming compounds include lecithin, hyaluronic acid, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, chamomile extract, cucumber extract, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, monoolein, monooleates, monolaurates, borage oil, evening of primrose oil, menthol, trihydroxy oxo cholanyl glycine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, glycerin, polyglycerin, lysine, polylysine, triolein, polyoxyethylene ethers and analogues thereof, polidocanol alkyl ethers and analogues thereof, chenodeoxycholate, deoxycholate, and mixtures thereof.

Phenol and/or m-cresol may be added to the mixed micellar composition to act as a stabiliser and preservative. An isotonic agent such as glycerine may as be added. A nucleic acid preparation may be incorporated into a particle such as a microparticle. Microparticles can be produced by spray-drying, lyophilisation, evaporation, fluid bed drying, vacuum drying, or a combination of these methods.

The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid of the invention. The pharmaceutical compositions may be used as medicaments or as diagnostic agents, alone or in combination with other agents. For example, a nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid of the invention can be combined with a delivery vehicle (e.g., liposomes) and excipients, such as carriers, diluents. Other agents such as preservatives and stabilizers can also be added. Methods for the delivery of nucleic acids are known in the art and within the knowledge of the person skilled in the art.

A nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid of the invention can also be administered in combination with other therapeutic compounds, either administrated separately or simultaneously, e.g., as a combined unit dose. The invention also includes a pharmaceutical composition comprising a nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid of the invention in a physiologically/pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, such as a stabilizer, preservative, diluent, buffer, and the like.

The pharmaceutical composition may be specially formulated for administration in solid or liquid form. The composition may be formulated for oral administration, parenteral administration (including, for example, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, or epidural injection), topical application, intravaginal or intrarectal administration, sublingual administration, ocular administration, transdermal administration, or nasal administration. Delivery using subcutaneous or intravenous methods are preferred.

Dosage levels for the medicament and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be determined by those skilled in the art by routine experimentation. In one embodiment, a unit dose may contain between about 0.01 mg/kg and about 100 mg/kg body weight of nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid. Alternatively, the dose can be from 10 mg/kg to 25 mg/kg body weight, or 1 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg body weight, or 0.05 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg body weight, or 0.1 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg body weight, or 0.1 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg body weight, or 0.1 mg/kg to 0.5 mg/kg body weight, or 0.5 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg body weight. Dosage levels may also be calculated via other parameters such as, e.g., body surface area.

The pharmaceutical composition may be a sterile injectable aqueous suspension or solution, or in a lyophilized form. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition may comprise lyophilized lipoplexes or an aqueous suspension of lipoplexes. The lipoplexes preferably comprises a nucleic acid of the present invention. Such lipoplexes may be used to deliver the nucleic acid of the invention to a target cell either in vitro or in vivo.

The pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments of the present invention may be administered to a mammalian subject in a pharmaceutically effective dose. The mammal may be selected from a human, a non-human primate, a simian or prosimian, a dog, a cat, a horse, cattle, a pig, a goat, a sheep, a mouse, a rat, a hamster, a hedgehog and a guinea pig, or other species of relevance. On this basis, the wording “TMPRSS6” as used herein denotes nucleic acid or protein in any of the above mentioned species, but preferably this wording denotes human nucleic acids or proteins.

A further aspect of the invention relates to an nucleic acid of the invention or the pharmaceutical composition comprising the nucleic acid of the invention for use in the treatment or prevention of a disease or disorder. The disease or disorder may be selected from the group comprising hemochromatosis, porphyria cutanea tarda and blood disorders, such as β-thalassemias or sickle cell disease, congenital dyserythropoietic anemia, marrow failure syndrome, myelodysplasia and transfusional iron overload. The disorder may be associated with iron overload and the disorder associated with iron overload may be Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease or Friedreich's Ataxia.

In particular, preferred aspects of the invention include:

Any nucleic acid as disclosed herein for use in one or more or all of:

(i) treatment of anemia, optionally suitably determined by an increase in haemoglobin or haematocrit or by decrease in reticulocytes as disclosed by the methods herein; and/or

(ii) reduction of splenomegaly, optionally determined by a reduction in spleen size by weight as disclosed by the methods herein: and/or

(iii) amelioration of ineffective erythropoiesis in spleen, optionally determined by reduction in relative proportion of immature erythroid cells in spleen determined by FACS analysis, as described herein; and/or

(iv) Improvement of red blood cell maturation/erythropoiesis in the bone marrow, optionally determined by a decrease in relative proportion of erythroid progenitor cells and increase in enucleated erythroid cells determined by FACS analysis, as described herein.

The invention includes a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more RNAi molecule according to the present invention in a physiologically/pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, such as a stabiliser, preservative, diluent, buffer and the like.

The pharmaceutical composition may be a sterile injectable aqueous suspension or solution, or in a lyophilised form.

Pharmaceutically acceptable compositions may comprise a therapeutically-effective amount of one or more nucleic acid(s) in any embodiment according to the invention, taken alone or formulated with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipient and/or diluents.

Examples of materials which can serve as pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers include: (1) sugars, such as lactose, glucose and sucrose; (2) starches, such as corn starch and potato starch; (3) cellulose, and its derivatives, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate; (4) powdered tragacanth; (5) malt; (6) gelatin; (7) lubricating agents, such as magnesium state, sodium lauryl sulfate and talc; (8) excipients, such as cocoa butter and suppository waxes; (9) oils, such as peanut oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil and soybean oil; (10) glycols, such as propylene glycol; (11) polyols, such as glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol and polyethylene glycol; (12) esters, such as ethyl oleate and ethyl laurate; (13) agar; (14) buffering agents, such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; (15) alginic acid; (16) pyrogen-free water; (17) isotonic saline; (18) Ringer's solution; (19) ethyl alcohol; (20) pH buffered solutions; (21) polyesters, polycarbonates and/or polyanhydrides; (22) bulking agents, such as polypeptides and amino acids (23) serum component, such as serum albumin, HDL and LDL; and (22) other non-toxic compatible substances employed in pharmaceutical formulations.

Stabilisers may be agents that stabilise the nucleic acid agent, for example a protein that can complex with the nucleic acid, chelators (e.g. EDTA), salts, RNAse inhibitors, and DNAse inhibitors.

In some cases it is desirable to slow the absorption of the drug from subcutaneous or intramuscular injection in order to prolong the effect of a drug. This may be accomplished by the use of a liquid suspension of crystalline or amorphous material having poor water solubility.

The rate of absorption of the drug then depends upon its rate of dissolution which, in turn, may depend upon crystal size and crystalline form. Alternatively, delayed absorption of a parenterally-administered drug form is accomplished by dissolving or suspending the drug in an oil vehicle.

The nucleic acid described herein may be capable of inhibiting the expression of TMPRSS6. The nucleic acid described herein may be capable of partially inhibiting the expression of TMPRSS6 in a cell. Inhibition may be complete, i.e. 0% of the expression level of TMPRSS6 expression in the absence of the nucleic acid of the invention. Inhibition of TMPRSS6 expression may be partial, i.e. it may be 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% of TMRPSS6 expression in the absence of a nucleic acid of the invention. Inhibition may last 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks, 6 weeks, 7 weeks, 8 weeks, 10 weeks, 11 weeks, 12 weeks, 13 weeks, 14 weeks, or up to 6 months, when used in a subject, such as a human subject. A nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid of the invention, or compositions including the same, may be for use in a regimen comprising treatments once or twice weekly, every week, every two weeks, every three weeks, every four weeks, every five weeks, every six weeks, every seven weeks, or every eight weeks, or in regimens with varying dosing frequency such as combinations of the before-mentioned intervals. The nucleic acid may be for use subcutaneously, intravenously or using any other application routes such as oral, rectal or intraperitoneal.

In cells and/or subjects treated with or receiving the nucleic acid of the present invention, the TMPRSS6 expression may be inhibited compared to untreated cells and/or subjects by a range from 15% up to 100% but at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or 100%. The level of inhibition may allow treatment of a disease associated with TMPRSS6 expression or overexpression, or may allow further investigation into the functions of the TMPRSS6 gene product.

Hepcidin gene expression in cells and/or subjects treated with a nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid of the invention may be increased compared to untreated cells and/or subjects by at least about 1.2 fold, about 1.5-fold, about 2-fold, about 3-fold, about 4-fold, or about 5-fold, due to the complete or partial inhibition of TMPRSS6 gene expression. This may lead to serum hepcidin concentration in subjects treated a nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid of the invention may be increased compared to untreated subjects by at least about 10%, about 25%, about 50%, about 100%, about 150%, about 200%, about 250%, about 300%, or about 500%.

Serum or plasma iron concentration in subjects treated with a nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid of the invention may be decreased compared to untreated subjects by at least about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%. Transferrin saturation is a medical laboratory test that measures the amount of transferrin that is bound to iron. Transferrin saturation, measured as a percentage, is a medical laboratory value that measures the value of serum iron divided by the total transferrin iron-binding capacity. Transferrin saturation in subjects treated with a nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid of the invention may be decreased compared to untreated subjects by at least about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%.

A further aspect of the invention relates to nucleic acid of the invention in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a disease or disorder, such as disease or disorder as listed above.

Also included in the invention is a method of treating or preventing a disease or disorder, such as those listed above, comprising administration of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid of the invention, to an individual in need of treatment. The composition may be administered twice every week, once every week, every two weeks, every three weeks, every four weeks, every five weeks, every six weeks, every seven weeks, or every eight weeks. The nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid may be for use subcutaneously or intravenously or other application routes such as oral, rectal or intraperitoneal.

In one embodiment, a subject is administered an initial dose and one or more maintenance doses of a nucleic acid agent. The maintenance dose or doses can be the same or lower than the initial dose, e.g., one-half less of the initial dose. The maintenance doses are, for example, administered no more than once every 2, 5, 10, or 30 days. The treatment regimen may last for a period of time which will vary depending upon the nature of the particular disease, its severity and the overall condition of the patient.

In one embodiment, the composition includes a plurality of nucleic acid agent species. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid agent species has sequences that are non-overlapping and non-adjacent to another species with respect to a naturally occurring target sequence. In another embodiment, the plurality of nucleic acid agent species is specific for different naturally occurring target genes. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid agent is allele specific.

A nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid of the invention can also be administered or for use in combination with other therapeutic compounds, either administered separately or simultaneously, e.g. as a combined unit dose.

The nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid of the present invention can be produced using routine methods in the art including chemical synthesis or expressing the nucleic acid either in vitro (e.g., run off transcription) or in vivo. For example, using solid phase chemical synthesis or using a nucleic acid-based expression vector including viral derivates or partially or completely synthetic expression systems. In one embodiment, the expression vector can be used to produce the nucleic acid of the invention in vitro, within an intermediate host organism or cell type, within an intermediate or the final organism or within the desired target cell. Methods for the production (synthesis or enzymatic transcription) of the nucleic acid described herein are known to persons skilled in the art.

In further embodiments of the invention, the invention relates to any nucleic acid, conjugated nucleic acid, nucleic acid for use, method, composition or use according to any disclosure herein, wherein the nucleic acid comprises a vinyl-(E)-phosphonate modification, such as a 5′ vinyl-(E)-phosphonate modification, preferably a 5′ vinyl-(E)-phosphonate modification in combination with a 2′-F modification at second position of the first strand.

In further embodiments of the invention, the invention relates to any nucleic acid, conjugated nucleic acid, nucleic acid for use, method, composition or use according to any disclosure herein, wherein the terminal nucleotide at the 3′ end of at least one of the first strand and the second strand is an inverted nucleotide and is attached to the adjacent nucleotide via the 3′ carbon of the terminal nucleotide and the 3′ carbon of the adjacent nucleotide and/or the terminal nucleotide at the 5′ end of at least one of the first strand and the second strand is an inverted nucleotide and is attached to the adjacent nucleotide via the 5′ carbon of the terminal nucleotide and the 5′ carbon of the adjacent nucleotide, optionally wherein

-   -   a. the 3′ and/or 5′ inverted nucleotide of the first and/or         second strand is attached to the adjacent nucleotide via a         phosphate group by way of a phosphodiester linkage; or     -   b. the 3′ and/or 5′ inverted nucleotide of the first and/or         second strand is attached to the adjacent nucleotide via a         phosphorothioate group or     -   c. the 3′ and/or 5′ inverted nucleotide of the first and/or         second strand is attached to the adjacent nucleotide via a         phosphorodithioate group.

In further embodiments of the invention, the invention relates to any nucleic acid, conjugated nucleic acid, nucleic acid for use, method, composition or use according to any disclosure herein, wherein the nucleic acid comprises a phosphorodithioate linkage,

optionally wherein the linkage is between the 2 most 5′ nucleotides and/or the 2 most 3′ nucleotides of the second strand, and/or

optionally wherein the nucleic acid additionally does not comprise any internal phosphorothioate linkages.

In further embodiments of the invention, the invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence disclosed herein, wherein the first strand and/or the second strand of the nucleic acid comprises at least a first and a second type of modified ribonucleotide, and wherein there is more of the first type of modified ribonucleotide than the second type of modified nucleotide (for example more of a 2′ O methyl modification than a 2′ fluoro modification), either as counted on each strand individually, or across both the first and second strand.

For the avoidance of doubt the nucleic acid may have more than two types of modification.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to any nucleic acid sequence disclosed herein, wherein greater than 50% of the nucleotides of the first and/or second strand comprise a 2′ O-methyl modification, such as greater than 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, or 85%, or more, of the first and/or second strand comprise a 2′ O-methyl modification, preferably measured as a percentage of the total nucleotides of both the first and second strands.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to any nucleic acid sequence disclosed herein herein wherein greater than 50% of the nucleotides of the first and/or second strand comprise a naturally occurring RNA modification, such as wherein greater than 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, or 85% or more of the first and/or second strands comprise such a modification, preferably measured as a percentage of the total nucleotides of both the first and second strands. Suitable naturally occurring modifications include, as well as 2-O′ methyl, other 2′ sugar modifications, in particular a 2′-H modification resulting in a DNA nucleotide.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to any nucleic acid sequence disclosed herein comprising no more than 20%, such as no more than 15%, such as no more than 10%, of nucleotides which have 2′ modifications that are not 2′ O methyl modifications on the first and/or second strand, preferably as a percentage of the total nucleotides of both the first and second strands.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to any nucleic acid sequence disclosed herein comprising no more than 20%, (such as no more than 15% or no more than 10%) of 2′ fluoro modifications on the first and/or second strand, preferably as a percentage of the total nucleotides of both strands.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS6, comprising at least one duplex region that comprises at least a portion of a first strand and at least a portion of a second strand that is at least partially complementary to the first strand, wherein said first strand is at least partially complementary to at least a portion of RNA transcribed from the TMPRSS6 gene, wherein said first strand comprises a nucleotide sequence of HC18A as below; and optionally wherein said second strand comprises the nucleotide sequence of HC18b as below:

TMPRSS6-hc-18A UUUUCUCUUGGAGUCCUCA TMPRSS6-hc-18B UGAGGACUCCAAGAGAAAA

Optionally the nucleic acid sequences are either TMPRSS6-hc-18A, or both of TMPRSS6-hc-18A and 18B as below:

TMPRSS6- mU (ps) fU (ps) mUfUmCfUmCfUmUfGmGfAmGfUm hc-18A CfCmU (ps) fC (ps) mA MAPRSS6- fUmGfAmGfGmAfCmUfCmCfAmAfGmAfGmAfA (ps) hc-18B mA (ps) fA

Optionally the nucleic acid sequences are either or both of the sequences listed below.

TMPRSS6- mU (ps) fU (ps) mUfUmCfUmCfUmUfGm hc-18A GfAmGfUmCfCmU (ps) fC (ps) mA TMPRSS6- GN3-fUmGfAmGfGmAfCmUfCmCfAmAf hc-18B GmAfGmAfA (ps) mA (ps) fA

All sequences are listed 5′-3′. A nucleic acid for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS6, comprising at least one duplex region that comprises at least a portion of a first strand and at least a portion of a second strand that is at least partially complementary to the first strand, wherein said first strand is at least partially complementary to at least a portion of RNA transcribed from the TMPRSS6 gene, wherein said first strand comprises a nucleotide sequence of HC23A as below; and optionally wherein said second strand comprises the nucleotide sequence of HC23B as below:

TM PRSS6-hc-23A CUGUUCUGGAUCGUCCACU TM PRSS6-hc-23B AGUGGACGAUCCAGAAGAG

Optionally the nucleic acid sequences are either TMPRSS6-hc-23A, or both of TMPRSS6-hc-23A and 23B as below:

TMPRSS6- mC (ps) fU (ps) mGfUmUfCmUfGmGfAm hc-23A UfCmGfUmCfCmA (ps) fC (ps) mU TMPRSS6- fAmGfUmGfGmAfCmGfAmUfCmCfAm hc-23B GfAmAfC (ps) mA (ps) fG

Optionally the nucleic acid sequences are either or both of the sequences listed below.

TMPRSS6- mC (ps) fU (ps) mGfUmUfCmUfGmGfAm hc-23A UfCmGfUmCfCmA (ps) fC (ps) mU TMPRSS6- GN3-fAmGfUmGfGmAfCmGfAmUfCm hc-23B CfAmGfAmAfC (ps) mA (ps) fG

Another embodiment of the invention is a nucleic acid for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS in a cell, comprising at least one duplex region that comprises at least a portion of a first strand and at least a portion of a second strand that is at least partially complementary to the first strand, wherein said first strand is at least partially complementary to at least a portion of RNA transcribed from the TMPRSS gene, wherein the expression of TMPRSS in a cell is reduced to levels which are at least 15% lower than expression levels observed in same test conditions but in the absence of the nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid or in the presence of a non-silencing control.

The nucleic acid may be any disclosed herein.

Certain preferred features of the invention are listed below:

Statements of Invention

1. A nucleic acid for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS6, comprising at least one duplex region that comprises at least a portion of a first strand and at least a portion of a second strand that is at least partially complementary to the first strand, wherein said first strand is at least partially complementary to at least a portion of RNA transcribed from the TMPRSS6 gene, wherein said first strand comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the following sequences: SEQ ID NOs:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161, 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 181, 183, 185, 187, 189, 191, 193, 195, 197, 199, 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, or 215.

2. A nucleic acid of statement 1, wherein the second strand comprises a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, or 216.

3. A nucleic acid of statement 1 or statement 2, wherein said first strand comprises a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:17.

4. A nucleic acid of any one of statements 1 to 3, wherein said second strand comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:18.

5. A nucleic acid according to any one of statements 1 to 4, wherein said first strand and/or said second strand are each from 17-35 nucleotides in length.

6. A nucleic acid of any one of statements 1 to 5, wherein the at least one duplex region consists of 19-25 consecutive nucleotide base pairs.

7. A nucleic acid of any preceding statement, which

-   -   a) is blunt ended at both ends; or     -   b) has an overhang at one end and a blunt end at the other; or     -   c) has an overhang at both ends.

8. A nucleic acid according to any preceding statement, wherein one or more nucleotides on the first and/or second strand are modified, to form modified nucleotides.

9. A nucleic acid of statement 8, wherein one or more of the odd numbered nucleotides of the first strand are modified.

10. A nucleic acid according to statement 9, wherein one or more of the even numbered nucleotides of the first strand are modified by at least a second modification, wherein the at least second modification is different from the modification of statement 9.

11. A nucleic acid of statement 10, wherein at least one of the one or more modified even numbered nucleotides is adjacent to at least one of the one or more modified odd numbered nucleotides.

12. A nucleic acid of any one of statements 9 to 11, wherein a plurality of odd numbered nucleotides are modified.

13. A nucleic acid of statement 10 to 12, wherein a plurality of even numbered nucleotides are modified by a second modification.

14. A nucleic acid of any of statements 8 to 13, wherein the first strand comprises adjacent nucleotides that are modified by a common modification.

15. A nucleic acid of any of statements 9 to 14, wherein the first strand comprises adjacent nucleotides that are modified by a second modification that is different to the modification of statement 9.

16. A nucleic acid of any of statements 9 to 15, wherein one or more of the odd numbered nucleotides of the second strand are modified by a modification that is different to the modification of statement 9.

17. A nucleic acid according to any of statements 9 to 15, wherein one or more of the even numbered nucleotides of the second strand are modified by the modification of statement 9.

18. A nucleic acid of statement 16 or 17, wherein at least one of the one or more modified even numbered nucleotides of the second strand is adjacent to the one or more modified odd numbered nucleotides of the second strand.

19. A nucleic acid of any of statements 16 to 18, wherein a plurality of odd numbered nucleotides of the second strand are modified by a common modification.

20. A nucleic acid of any of statements 16 to 19, wherein a plurality of even numbered nucleotides are modified by a modification according to statement 9.

21. A nucleic acid of any of statements 16 to 20, wherein a plurality of odd numbered nucleotides on the second strand are modified by a second modification, wherein the second modification is different from the modification of statement 9.

22. A nucleic acid of any of statements 16 to 21, wherein the second strand comprises adjacent nucleotides that are modified by a common modification.

23. A nucleic acid of any of statements 16 to 22, wherein the second strand comprises adjacent nucleotides that are modified by a second modification that is different from the modification of statement 9.

24. A nucleic acid according to any one of statements 8 to 23, wherein each of the odd numbered nucleotides in the first strand and each of the even numbered nucleotides in the second strand are modified with a common modification.

25. A nucleic acid of statement 24, wherein each of the even numbered nucleotides are modified in the first strand with a second modification and each of the odd numbered nucleotides are modified in the second strand with a second modification.

26. A nucleic acid according to any one of statements 8 to 25, wherein the modified nucleotides of the first strand are shifted by at least one nucleotide relative to the unmodified or differently modified nucleotides of the second strand.

27. A nucleic acid according to any one of statements 8 to 26, wherein the modification and/or modifications are each and individually selected from the group consisting of 3-terminal deoxy-thymine, 2′-O-methyl, a 2′-deoxy-modification, a 2′-amino-modification, a 2′-alkyl-modification, a morpholino modification, a phosphoramidate modification, 5′-phosphorothioate group modification, a 5′ phosphate or 5′ phosphate mimic modification and a cholesteryl derivative or a dodecanoic acid bisdecylamide group modification.

28. A nucleic acid according to any one of statements 8 to 27, wherein the modification is any one of a locked nucleotide, an abasic nucleotide or a non-natural base comprising nucleotide.

29. A nucleic acid according to any one of statements 8 to 28, wherein at least one modification is 2′-O-methyl.

30. A nucleic acid according to any one of statements 8 to 29, wherein at least one modification is 2′-F.

31. A nucleic acid for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS6 in a cell, comprising at least one duplex region that comprises at least a portion of a first strand and at least a portion of a second strand that is at least partially complementary to the first strand, wherein said first strand is at least partially complementary to at least a portion of a RNA transcribed from the TMPRSS6 gene, wherein said first strand comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the following sequences: SEQ ID Nos:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161, 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 181, 183, 185, 187, 189, 191, 193, 195, 197, 199, 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, or 215, wherein the nucleotides of first strand are modified by first modification on the odd numbered nucleotides, and modified by a second modification on the even numbered nucleotides, and nucleotides of the second strand are modified by a third modification on the even numbered nucleotides and modified by a fourth modification on the odd numbered nucleotides, wherein at least the first modification is different to the second modification and the third modification is different to the fourth modification.

32. A nucleic acid of statement 31, wherein second sequence comprises a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, or 216.

33. A nucleic acid of statement 31 or 32, wherein the fourth modification and the second modification are the same.

34. A nucleic acid of any one of statements 31 to 33, wherein the first modification and the third modification are the same.

35. A nucleic acid of any one of statements 31 to 34, wherein the first modification is 2′O-Me and the second modification is 2′F.

36. A nucleic acid of any one of statements 31 to 35, wherein the first strand comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:17 and the second strand comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:18.

37. A nucleic acid of any one of statements 31 to 36, comprising a sequence and modifications as shown in the table below:

SEQ ID NO: 17 5′aaccagaagaagcagguga 3′ 6273646282647284546 SEQ ID NO: 18 5′ucaccugcuucuucugguu 3′ 1727354715351718451

wherein, the specific modifications are depicted by numbers

1-2′F-dU,

2=2′F-dA,

3=2′F-dC,

4=2′F-dG,

5=2′-OMe-rU;

6=2′-OMe-rA;

7=2′-OMe-rC:

8=2′-OMe-rG.

38. A nucleic acid according to any one of statements 1 to 37, conjugated to a ligand.

39. A nucleic acid according to any one of statements 1 to 38, comprising a phosphorothioate linkage between the terminal one, two or three 3′ nucleotides and/or 5′ nucleotides of the first and/or the second strand.

40. A nucleic acid according to any one of statements 1 to 39 comprising two phosphorothioate linkage between each of the three terminal 3′ and between each of the three terminal 5′ nucleotides on the first strand, and two phosphorothioate linkages between the three terminal nucleotides of the 3′ end of the second strand.

41. A nucleic acid for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS6 in a cell, comprising at least one duplex region that comprises at least a portion of a first strand and at least a portion of a second strand that is at least partially complementary to the first strand, wherein said first strand is at least partially complementary to at least a portion of a RNA transcribed from the TMPRSS6 gene, wherein said first strand comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the following sequences: SEQ ID NOs:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161, 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 181, 183, 185, 187, 189, 191, 193, 195, 197, 199, 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, or 215, wherein said nucleic acid conjugated to a ligand.

42. A nucleic acid according to statement 41, wherein the ligand comprises (i) one or more N-acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc) moieties and derivatives thereof, and (ii) a linker, wherein the linker conjugates the GalNAc moieties to a nucleic acid as defined in statement 41

43. A nucleic acid according to statement 41 or 42, wherein linker may be a bivalent or trivalent or tetravalent branched structure.

44. A nucleic acid of statements 41 to 43, wherein the nucleotides are modified as defined in any preceding statements.

45. A nucleic acid of any preceding statement, wherein the ligand comprises the formula I:

[S—X¹—P—X²]₃—A—X³—  (I)

wherein:

-   -   S represents a saccharide, wherein the saccharide is N-acetyl         galactosamine;     -   X¹ represents C₃-C₆ alkylene or (—CH₂—CH₂—O)_(m)(—CH₂)₂— wherein         m is 1, 2, or 3;     -   P is a phosphate or modified phosphate (preferably a         thiophosphate);     -   X² is alkylene or an alkylene ether of the formula         (—CH₂)_(n)—O—CH₂— where n=1-6;     -   A is a branching unit;     -   X³ represents a bridging unit;     -   wherein a nucleic acid according to the present invention is         conjugated to X³ via a phosphate or modified phosphate         (preferably a thiophosphate).

46. A conjugated nucleic acid having one of the following structures:

wherein Z is a nucleic acid according to any of statements 1 to 40.

47. A nucleic acid according of any of statements 1 to 40, which is conjugated to a ligand of the following structure

48. A nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid of any preceding statement, wherein the duplex comprises separate strands.

49. A nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid of any preceding statement, wherein the duplex comprises a single strand comprising a first strand and a second strand.

50. A composition comprising a nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid as defined in any preceding statement and a formulation comprising:

-   -   i) a cationic lipid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt         thereof;     -   ii) a steroid;     -   iii) a phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipid;     -   iv) a PEGylated lipid.

51. A composition according to statement 50, wherein in the formulation the content of the cationic lipid component is from about 55 mol % to about 65 mol % of the overall lipid content of the lipid formulation, preferably about 59 mol % of the overall lipid content of the lipid formulation.

52. A composition as statemented in statement 50, wherein the formulation comprises; A cationic lipid having the structure;

the steroid has the structure;

the a phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipid has the structure;

And the PEGylated lipid has the structure

53. A composition comprising a nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid of any preceding statement and a physiologically acceptable excipient.

54. A nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid according to any preceding statement for use in the treatment of a disease or disorder.

55. Use of a nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid according to any preceding statement in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a disease or disorder.

56. A method of treating a disease or disorder comprising administration of a composition comprising a nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid according to any one preceding statement to an individual in need of treatment.

57. The method of statement 55, wherein the nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid is administered to the subject subcutaneously or intravenously.

58. Use or method according to any of statements 54 to 56, wherein said disease or disorder is selected from the group comprising hemochromatosis, erythropoietic porphyria, transfusional iron overload and blood disorders.

59. Use or method according to statement 58, wherein the blood disorder is β-thalassemias, sickle cell anaemia, congenital sideroblastic anemia, aplastic anemia or myelodysplastic syndrome.

60. Use or method according to any of statements 54 to 59, wherein the disorder is associated with iron overload.

61. Use or method according to statement 60, wherein the disorder associated with iron overload is Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease or Friedreich's Ataxia.

62. A process for making a nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid according to any of statements 1 to 49.

The invention will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting figures and examples in which:

FIG. 1 shows the results of an RNAi molecule screen for inhibition of TMPRSS6 expression in human Hep3B cells;

FIG. 2 shows the dose response of TMPRSS6 RNAi molecules in human Hep3B cells;

FIG. 3 shows the reduction of TMPRSS6 expression in mouse liver tissue by different doses of GalNAc siRNA molecules;

FIG. 4 shows the duration of TMPRSS6 target gene inhibition by TMPRSS6 siRNA molecules and the induction of HAMP mRNA expression in mice;

FIG. 5 shows that the inhibition of TMPRSS6 expression by treatment with TMPRSS6 siRNA molecules reduces iron levels in serum for an extended time;

FIG. 6 shows the reduction of TMRPSS6 expression in 1° mouse hepatocytes by receptor mediated uptake of GalNAc conjugated RNAi molecules;

FIG. 7 shows the GalNAc conjugated RNAi molecules used in examples 1, 3, 4, 26 to 31 and 34 to 38;

FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c show the structure of the GalNAc ligands referred to herein respectively as GN, GN2, and GN3 to which the oligonucleotides were conjugated (see also below this nomenclature in the Examples where TMPRSS6 hcm-9 is conjugated to each of GN, GN2 and GN3);

FIG. 9 shows the reduction of TMPRSS6 expression by different siRNA modification variants in human Hep3B cells;

FIG. 10 shows the reduction of TMPRSS6 expression by different GalNAc-siRNA conjugates by receptor mediated uptake;

FIG. 11 shows the reduction of TMPRSS6 and the induction of HAMP expression by different GalNAc-siRNA conjugates in mice;

FIG. 12 shows the sequences and modifications of the GalNAc-siRNA molecules of Examples 8, 9 and 10;

FIG. 13 shows the reduction of TMPRSS6 expression in the liver tissue and the reduction of serum iron levels in mice at different time points after single injection with siRNA conjugates;

FIG. 14 shows the reduction of TMPRSS6 mRNA levels in liver and the reduction of serum iron levels in mice by different doses of GalNAc conjugated siRNA molecules;

FIG. 15 shows the effect of different modification patterns on the activity of an siRNA molecule in human Hep3B cells;

FIG. 16 shows the effect of different modification variants of GalNAc conjugated siRNA molecules on inhibition of TMPRSS6 expression in human Hep3B cells;

FIG. 17 shows the effect of a modification variant of a GalNAc conjugated siRNAs on inhibition of TMPRSS6 expression in primary mouse hepatocytes by receptor mediated uptake;

FIG. 18 shows the reduction of TMPRSS6 expression by different siRNA modification variants in human Hep3B cells;

FIG. 19 shows the influence of inverted A and G nucleotides on RNAi activity in human Hep3B cells;

FIG. 20 shows the influence of inverted RNA nucleotides on siRNA stability;

FIG. 21 shows the influence of inverted RNA nucleotides on siRNA activity in human Hep3B cells;

FIG. 22 shows the influence of inverted RNA nucleotides on RNAi activity in human Hep3B cells;

FIG. 23 shows the influence of inverted RNA nucleotides on the activity of GalNAc conjugated siRNAs in primary mouse hepatocytes by receptor mediated uptake;

FIG. 24 shows the effect of phosphorodithioate linkage on stability of GalNAc conjugated siRNA molecules;

FIG. 25 shows the effect of phosphorodithioate linkage on activity of a GalNAc conjugated siRNA molecule on TMPRSS6 expression in mouse primary hepatocytes;

FIG. 26 shows the effect of phosphorodithioate linkage on stability of a GalNAc conjugated siRNA molecule;

FIG. 27 shows the inhibition of TMPRSS6 expression in mouse primary hepatocytes by a GalNAc siRNA conjugate containing phosphorodithioate linkages;

FIG. 28 shows the reduction of TMPRSS6 expression by different doses of GalNAc siRNAs in an animal model for hereditary hemochromatosis;

FIG. 29 shows the increase of serum Hepcidin levels by different doses of GalNAc siRNAs in an animal model for hereditary hemochromatosis;

FIG. 30 shows the reduction of serum iron levels by different doses of GalNAc siRNAs in an animal model for hereditary hemochromatosis;

FIG. 31 shows the reduction of transferrin saturation by different doses of GalNAc siRNAs in an animal model for hereditary hemochromatosis;

FIG. 32 shows the increase in Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity by different doses of GalNAc siRNAs in an animal model for hereditary hemochromatosis;

FIG. 33 shows the reduction of tissue iron levels by GalNAc siRNAs in an animal model for hereditary hemochromatosis;

FIG. 34 shows the reduction of human TMPRSS6 mRNA levels in Hep3B cells by liposomal delivery of 43 additional siRNAs;

FIG. 35 shows the dose response curves of different siRNAs for inhibition of TMPRSS6 expression in Hep3B cells;

FIG. 36 shows the reduction of TMPRSS6 expression in primary human hepatocytes by receptor mediated uptake of GalNAc siRNA conjugates at different concentrations;

FIG. 37 shows the increase of haematocrit values in rodent model for ⋅-thalassemia intermedia by treatment with GalNAc siRNA conjugates;

FIG. 38 shows the reduction in red blood cell distribution widths in rodent model for ⋅-thalassemia intermedia by treatment with GalNAc siRNA conjugates.

FIG. 39 shows the reduction in proportion of reticulocytes in blood of rodent model for ⋅-thalassemia intermedia by treatment with GalNAc siRNA conjugates;

FIG. 40 shows the reduction of reactive oxygen species in red blood cells of rodent model for ⋅-thalassemia intermedia by treatment with GalNAc siRNA conjugates.

FIG. 41 shows GalNAc TMPRSS6 siRNA raises hemoglobin levels in rodent model for ⋅-thalassemia intermedia.

FIG. 42 shows GalNAc TMPRSS6 reduces splenomegaly in rodent model for ⋅-thalassemia intermedia.

FIG. 43 shows GalNAc TMPRSS6 improves red blood cell maturation in the bone marrow.

FIG. 44 shows GalNAc TMPRSS6 reduces ineffective erythropoiesis in the spleen.

FIG. 45 a and b show dose-response curves of siRNA conjugates against TMPRSS6 in primary human hepatocytes.

FIG. 46 shows inhibition of TMPRSS6 mRNA expression by siRNA conjugates in primary human hepatocytes.

FIG. 47 shows sequences and modification pattern of GalNAc siRNA conjugates that were tested for inhibition of TMPRSS6 expression in primary human hepatocytes.

FIG. 48 shows specific sequences of nucleic acids used in Example 44.

FIG. 49 shows receptor-mediated uptake in primary mouse hepatocytes by GalNAc siRNA conjugates targeting TMPRSS6 containing different end stabilization chemistries (phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate, phosphodiester).

FIG. 50 shows serum stability of GalNAc-siRNA conjugates with phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates and phosphodiesters in terminal positions and in the GalNAc moiety

FIG. 51 shows inhibition of TMPRSS6 gene expression in primary murine hepatocytes 24 h following treatment with TMPRSS6-siRNA carrying vinyl-(E)-phosphonate 2′OMe-Uracil at the 5′-position of the anti-sense strand and two phosphorothioate linkages between the first three nucleotides (X0204), vinyl-(E)-phosphonate 2′OMe-Uracil at the 5′-position of the anti-sense strand and phosphodiester bonds between the first three nucleotides (X0205), (X0139) or tetrameric (X0140)) or a tree like trimeric GalNAc-cluster (X0004) or a non-targeting GalNAc-siRNA (X0028) at indicated concentrations or left untreated (UT).

FIG. 52 shows Serum stability of siRNA-conjugates vs. less stabilized positive control for nuclease degradation.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Nucleic acids in accordance with the invention were synthesised, using the oligos as set out in the tables below.

The method of synthesis was as follows, using one of the sequences of the invention as an example:

STS012 (GN-TMPRSS6-hcm-9)

First Strand

5′mA (ps) fA (ps) mC fC mA fG mA fA mG fA mA fG mC fA mG fG mU (ps) fG (ps) mA 3′

Second Strand

5′[ST23 (ps)]3 long trebler (ps) fU mC fA mC fC mU fG mC fU mU fC mU fU mC fU mG fG (ps) mU (ps) fU 3′

fN (N=A, C, G, U) denotes 2′Fluoro, 2′ DeoxyNucleosides

mN (N=A, C, G, U) denotes 2′O Methyl Nucleosides

(ps) indicates a phosphorothioate linkage

ST23 is a GalNAc C4 phosphoramidite (structure components as below)

Long trebler (STkS)

A further example is GN2-TMPRSS6-hcm-9 (STS12009L4):

First Strand

5′mA (ps) fA (ps) mC fC mA fG mA fA mG fA mA fG mC fA mG fG mU (ps) fG (ps) mA 3′

Second Strand

5′[ST23 (ps)]3 ST41 (ps) fU mC fA mC fC mU fG mC fU mU fC mU fU mC fU mG fG (ps) mU (ps) fU 3′

fN (N=A, C, G, U) denotes 2′Fluoro, 2′ DeoxyNucleosides

mN (N=A, C, G, U) denotes 2′O Methyl Nucleosides

(ps) indicates a phosphorothioate linkage

ST23 is as above.

ST41 is as follows (and as described in WO2017/174657):

All Oligonucleotides were either obtained from a commercial oligonucleotide manufacturer (Eurogentech, Belgium; Biospring, Germany) or synthesized on an AKTA oligopilot synthesizer using standard phosphoramidite chemistry. Commercially available solid support and 2′O-Methyl RNA phosphoramidtes, 2′Fluoro DNA phosphoramidites (all standard protection) and commercially available long trebler phosphoramidite (Glen research) were used. Synthesis was performed using 0.1 M solutions of the phosphoramidite in dry acetonitrile and benzylthiotetrazole (BTT) was used as activator (0.3M in acetonitrile). All other reagents were commercially available standard reagents.

Synthesis of PS2 containing oligonucleotides was performed according to the instructions of the manufacturer (Glen Research, AM Biotech). Vinyl-(E)-phosphonate 2′OMe-Uracil phosphoamidite was synthesized and used in oligonucleotide synthesis according to literature published methods (Haraszti et al., Nuc. Acids Res., 45(13), 2017, 7581-7592).

Conjugation of the GalNAc synthon (ST23) was achieved by coupling of the respective phosphoramidite to the 5′ end of the oligochain under standard phosphoramidite coupling conditions. Phosphorothioates were introduced using standard commercially available thiolation reagents (EDITH, Link technologies).

The single strands were cleaved off the CPG by using Methylamine. Where TBDMS protected RNA nucleosides were used, additional treatment with TEA*3HF was performed to remove the silyl protection. The resulting crude oligonucleotide was purified by ion exchange chromatography (Resource Q, 6 mL, GE Healthcare) on a AKTA Pure HPLC System using a Sodium chloride gradient. Product containing fractions were pooled, desalted on a size exclusion column (Zetadex, EMP Biotech) and lyophilised.

For annealing, equimolar amounts of the respective single strands were dissolved in water and heated to 80° C. for 5 min. After cooling the resulting Duplex was lyophilised.

The sequences of the resulting nucleic acids (siRNAs) are set out in Table 1.

SEQ ID Name - NO: TMPRSS6- . . . Sequence Modifications  1 hc-1A 5′augucuuuca 6181715172727184715 cacuggcuu 3′  2 hc-1B 5′aagccagugu 2647364545462646361 gaaagacau 3′  3 h-2A 5′auugaguaca 6154645272747282718 cgcagacug 3′  4 h-2B 5′cagucugcgu 3645354745452717261 guacucaau 3′  5 h-3A 5′aaguugaugg 6281546184546173748 ugaucccgg 3′  6 h-3B 5′ccgggaucac 3748461727361726351 caucaacuu 3′  7 hc-4A 5′uucuggaucg 5171846174537271847 uccacuggc 3′  8 hc-4B 5′gccaguggac 4736454827461736462 gauccagaa 3′  9 h-5A 5′auucacagaa 6153636462728284627 cagaggaac 3′ 10 h-5B 5′guuccucugu 4517353545171818261 ucugugaau 3′ 11 h-6A 5′guagucaugg 8164536184718173535 cuguccucu 3′ 12 h-6B 5′agaggacagc 2828463647361827163 caugacuac 3′ 13 h-7A 5′aguuguagua 6451816452645173728 aguucccag 3′ 14 h-7B 5′cugggaacuu 3548462715271636271 acuacaacu 3′ 15 hcmr-8A 5′uuguacccua 5181637352846261637 ggaaauacc 3′ 16 hcmr-8B 5′gguauuuccu 4816151735284816362 aggguacaa 3′ 17 hcm-9A 5′aaccagaaga 6273646282647284546 agcagguga 3′ 18 hcm-9B 5′ucaccugcuu 1727354715351718451 cuucugguu 3′ 19 hc-10A 5′uaacaaccca 5263627372838184625 gcguggaau 3′ 20 hc-10B 5′auuccacgcu 2517363835484518152 ggguuguua 3′ 21 hc-11A 5′guuucucuca 8151717172537284738 uccaggccg 3′ 22 hc-11B 5′cggccuggau 3847354825464646263 gagagaaac 3′ 23 hcm-12A 5′gcaucuucug 8361715354847151847 ggcuuuggc 3′ 24 hcm-12B 5′gccaaagccc 4736264737282646183 agaagaugc 3′ 25 hc-13A 5′ucacacugga 5363635482648182618 aggugaaug 3′ 26 hc-13B 5′cauucaccuu 3615363715372818182 ccaguguga 3′ 27 hcmr-14A 5′cacagaugug 7272825454538273738 ucgaccccg 3′ 28 hcmr-14B 5′cggggucgac 3848453827272535454 acaucugug 3′ 29 hcmr-15A 5′uguacccuag 5452737164826252736 gaaauacca 3′ 30 hcmr-15B 5′ugguauuucc 1845251537164845272 uaggguaca 3′ 31 Luc-siRNA-1A 5′ucgaaguauu 5382645251738381638 ccgcguacg 3′ 32 Luc-siRNA-1B 5′cguacgcgga 3816383856252715382 auacuucga 3′ 33 PTEN-A 5′uaaguucuag 5a6g5u7u6g7u8u8g5g8 cuguggugg 3′ 34 PTEN-B 5′ccaccacagc c7a7c6c6g7u6g6a7u5a uagaacuua 3′

Table 1

Table 1: nucleic acid sequences tested for inhibition of TMPRSS6 expression. Nucleic acids were synthesized by Biospring, Frankfurt. Nucleotides modifications are depicted by the following numbers (column 4), 1=2′F-dU, 2=F′-dA, 3=2′F-dC, 4=2′F-dG, 5=2′-OMe-dU; 6=2′-OMe-rA; 7=2′-OMe-dC; 8=2′-OMe-dG.

Corresponding SEQ nucleic ID Start Oligo acid NO:  253 GGUAUUUCCUAGGGUACAA TMPRSS6-hcmr-8 16  305 CAGUCUGCGUGUACUCAAU TMPRSS6-h-2  4  381 GCCAAAGCCCAGAAGAUGC TMPRSS6-hcm-12 24  426 CUGGGAACUUACUACAACU TMPRSS6-h-7 14  478 UCACCUGCUUCUUCUGGUU TMPRSS6-hcm-9 18  652 AAGCCAGUGUGAAAGACAU TMPRSS6-hc-1  2  682 AUUCCACGCUGGGUUGUUA TMPRSS6-hc-10 20 1234 GCCAGUGGACGAUCCAGAA TMPRSS6-hc-4  8 1318 CCGGGAUCACCAUCAACUU TMPRSS6-h-3  6 1418 GUUCCUCUGUUCUGUGAAU TMPRSS6-h-5 10 1481 CGGCCUGGAUGAGAGAAAC TMPRSS6-hc-11 22 1633 CAUUCACCUUCCAGUGUGA TMPRSS6-hc-13 26 1824 CGGGGUCGACACAUCUGUG TMPRSS6-hcmr-14 28 2018 AGAGGACAGCCAUGACUAC TMPRSS6-h-6 12  252 UGGUAUUUCCUAGGGUACA TMPRRS6-hcmr-15 30

Table 2

Table 2—the start position of each nucleic acid sequence within the TMPRSS6 mRNA sequence Ref NM_001289000.1.

Screen for Inhibition TMPRSS6 Expression in Human Hep31B Cells.

Cells were plated at a cell density of 80,000 cells per 6 well dish. The following day cells were transfected with 20 nM nucleic acid (listed in Table 1) and 1 μg/ml AtuFECT (50:50 formulation of cationic lipid Atufect01 and fusogenic lipid DPhyPE.). Two days after transfection cells were lysed and TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were determined by q-RT-PCR using the amplicons in Table 3. TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were normalized to expression levels of the house keeping gene PTEN. Nucleic acids for Luciferase and PTEN were used as non targeting control nucleic acids. Results are shown in FIG. 1.

SEQ ID NO: hTMPRSS6  5′CCGCCAAAGCCCAGAAG 3′ 35 (upper) hTMPRSS6  5′GGTCCCTCCCCAAAGGAATAG 3′ 36 (lower) hTMPRSS6  5′CAGCACCCGCCTGGGAACTTACTACAAC  37 (probe) 3′ mTMPRSS6  5′CGGCACCTACCTTCCACTCTT 3′ 38 (upper) mTMPRSS6  5′TCGGTGGTGGGCATCCT 3′ 39 (lower) mTMPRSS6  5′CCGAGATGTTTCCAGCTCCCCTGTTCTA  40 (probe) 3′ h-Aktin  5′GCATGGGTCAGAAGGATTCCTAT 3′ 41 (upper) h-Aktin  5′TGTAGAAGGTGTGGTGCCAGATT 3′ 42 (lower) h-Aktin  5′CGAGCACGGCATCGTCACCAA 3′ 43 (probe) mAktin  5′GTTTGAGACCTTCAACACCCCA 3′ 44 (upper) mAktin  5′GACCAGAGGCATACAGGGACA 3′ 45 (lower) mAktin  5′CCATGTACGTAGCCATCCAGGCTGTG 3′ 46 (probe) PTEN  5′CACCGCCAAATTTAACTGCAGA 3′ 47 (upper) PTEN  5′AAGGGTTTGATAAGTTCTAGCTGT 3′ 48 (lower) PTEN  5′TGCACAGTATCCTTTTGAAGACCATAACCCA  49 (probe) 3′ mHAMP:  5′CCTGTCTCCTGCTTCTCCTCCT 3′ 50 (upper) mHAMP:  5′AATGTCTGCCCTGCTTTCTTCC 3′ 51 (lower) mHAMP:  5′TGAGCAGCACCACCTATCTCCATCAACA3′ 52 (probe)

Table 3

Table 3 Sequences of TMPRSS6, Actin, PTEN and HAMP amplicon sets that were used to measure mRNA levels of respective genes.

Example 2

Dose Response of TMPRSS6 Nucleic Acids for Inhibition of TMPRSS6 Expression in Human Hep3B Cells.

Cells were plated at a cell density of 150,000 cells per 6 well dish. The following day cells were transfected with 1 μg/ml AtuFECT (50:50 formulation of cationic lipid Atufect01 and fusogenic lipid DPhyPE.) and different amounts of TMPRSS6 nucleic acids (30; 10; 3; 1; 0.3; 0.1, 0.003 nM, respectively) as depicted by the X-axis of the graph in FIG. 2. For non targeting control samples, cells were transfected with 30 and 10 nM nucleic acid for Luciferase. Two days after the transfection cells were lysed and mRNA levels were determined by q-RT-PCR. TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were normalized to the expression levels of the house keeping gene PTEN. The highest reduction of TMPRSS6 mRNA expression was observed by TMPRSS6-hcm9 nucleic acid. Transfection with Luciferase nucleic acid did not affect TMPRSS6 mRNA levels. Results are shown in FIG. 2. Sequences of RNAi molecules are depicted in Table 1.

Example 3

Inhibition of TMPRSS6 Expression in Liver Tissue by Different Doses of GalNAc Nucleic Acids.

C57/BL6 mice were treated with a single dose of 10, 3 or 1 mg/kg of GalNAc nucleic acid conjugates by subcutaneous administration. Sequence and modifications of respective siRNA conjugates are shown in FIG. 7. The siRNAs are conjugated to GalNAc linker (GN) depicted in FIG. 8a and described therein. Control groups were treated with isotonic saline or with non targeting control conjugate, GN-TTR-hc, respectively. Target gene expression in liver tissue was assessed by qRT PCR three days after subcutaneous injection of the conjugates. Total RNA was isolated from snap frozen tissue samples and qRT-PCR was performed as described previously (Kuhla et al. 2015, Apoptosis Vol 4, 500-11). TaqMan probes that were used are shown in Table 3. Results are shown in FIG. 3.

Example 4

Duration of Target Gene Inhibition by TMPRSS6 RNAi Molecules.

Mice were treated with 3 mg/kg GalNAc-TMPRSS6 RNAi molecules by subcutaneous injection. Sequence and modifications of respective siRNA conjugates are shown in FIG. 7. Target mRNA expression was assessed in liver tissue at day 7, 14, 21, 27, 34 or day 41 after treatment (days post injection, dpi). Reduction of TMPRSS6 expression in the liver is observed until day 41 after injection. HAMP (hepcidin) mRNA expression is upregulated in the liver of mice treated with GN-TMPRSS6 RNAi molecule. Results are shown in FIG. 4.

Example 5

Inhibition of TMPRSS6 Expression by Treatment with TMPRSS6 siRNA Reduces Iron Levels in Blood.

Iron levels were analyzed in serum 7, 14, 21, 27, 34 and 41 days after mice were treated subcutaneously with 3 mg/kg GalNAc nucleic acid conjugates. Serum iron levels were reduced up to 41 days post injection (dpi 41). Sequence and modifications of respective siRNA conjugates are shown in FIG. 7. Results are shown in FIG. 5.

Example 6

Inhibition of TMPRSS6 Expression by Receptor Mediated Uptake.

Primary mouse hepatocytes were plated on collagen coated dishes and incubated with siRNA conjugates diluted in cell culture medium at a concentration of 100 nM to 0.03 nM as indicated. 24 hours after exposing the cells to siRNA conjugates, total RNA was extracted and TMPRSS6 expression was quantified by Taqman qRT-PCR. TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were normalized to Actin mRNA levels. Dose dependent inhibition of TMPRSS6 expression was observed by both GalNAc-TMPRSS6 siRNA conjugates. GN2-Luc-siRNA1 GalNAc conjugate (GN2-Luc) was used as non targeting control and did not affect TMPRSS6 mRNA expression. Sequence and modifications of respective siRNA conjugates are depicted in FIG. 7. Results are shown in FIG. 6.

Example 7

Further TMPRSS6 siRNAs were Synthesised, in Accordance with the Method Described Above. The sequences and modifications are shown in Table 4 below:

Modification variants of an siRNA targeting TMPRSS6 (Sequence ID 17 and ID18). For each duplex, the first sequence (A strand) is listed on top and the second sequence (B strand) below. All sequences correspond to SEQ ID NO:17 (top) and SEQ ID NO:18 (bottom). Modification codes are listed at the end of the Table 4.

A Du- strand plex B sequence sequence and ID strand (5′-3′) chemistry (5′-3′) TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6273646282647284546 01 01A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1727354715351718451 01B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2237242282243284142 02 02A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1723314715355754815 02B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273282646283248182 03 03A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5363718351715354815 03B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273282646683248182 04 04A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5363718351715354815 03B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6273646282647284546 05 01A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5363718351715354815 03B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273242242643244542 06 05A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5727354315355754455 05B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2277646242643244542 07 06A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5727354315355754455 05B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2277686242643244542 08 07A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5727354315355754455 05B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273242246687244542 09 08A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5727354315355754455 05B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273242682687244542 10 09A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5727354315355754455 05B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273242242643284586 11 10A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5727354315355754455 05B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273242242643288586 12 11A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5727354315355754455 05B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273242246687284586 13 12A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5727354315355754455 05B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6277646246687284586 14 13A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5767354315755758855 13B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273282282283284182 15 14A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5327318315315318415 14B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273282282643284182 16 15A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5327318315315318415 14B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2237242242247244582 17 16A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1723314355311358411 16B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273242242643284586 18 10A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1727354715351718451 01B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273242242643284586 19 10A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1723314715355754815 02B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273242242643284586 20 10A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5363718351715354815 03B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273242242643284586 21 10A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5767354315755758855 13B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273242242643284586 22 10A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5327318315315318415 14B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273242242643284586 23 10A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1723314355311358411 16B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2237242282243284142 24 02A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1727354715351718451 01B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2237242282243284142 25 02A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5363718351715354815 03B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2237242282243284142 26 02A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5727354315355754455 05B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2237242282243284142 27 02A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5767354315755758855 13B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2237242282243284142 28 02A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5327318315315318415 14B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2237242282243284142 29 02A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1723314355311358411 16B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6277646246687284586 30 13A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1727354715351718451 01B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6277646246687284586 31 13A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1723314715355754815 02B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6277646246687284586 32 13A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5363718351715354815 03B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6277646246687284586 33 13A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5727354315355754455 05B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6277646246687284586 34 13A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5327318315315318415 14B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6277646246687284586 35 13A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1723314355311358411 16B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273242242643284586 36 10A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1727354715351718451 01B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273282242643284586 37 17A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1727354715351718451 01B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6277682242643288142 38 18A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1727354715351718451 01B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6277682242643288586 39 19A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1727354715351718451 01B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2233282242643284142 40 20A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1727354715351718451 01B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2277282242643284586 41 21A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1727354715351718451 01B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273282642643284586 42 22A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1727354715351718451 01B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273282282643284586 43 23A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1727354715351718451 01B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273282246643284586 44 24A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1727354715351718451 01B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273282242683284586 45 25A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1727354715351718451 01B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 2273282242647284586 46 26A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1727354715351718451 01B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6273646282647284546 47 01A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5727354315355754455 05B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6273646282647284546 48 01A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5727754715355754855 27B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6273646282647284546 49 01A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 1723314311351714411 28B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6273646282647284546 50 01A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5767354315355754455 29B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6273646282647284546 51 01A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5727754315355754455 30B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6273646282647284546 52 01A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5727358315355754455 31B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6273646282647284546 53 01A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5727354315755754455 32B TMP TMPJH aaccagaagaagcagguga 6273646282647284546 54 01A TMPJH ucaccugcuucuucugguu 5727354315355758455 33B 1 = 2′F-dU 2 = 2′F-dA 3 = 2′F-dC 4 = 2′F-dG 5 = 2′OMe-rU 6 = 2′OMe-rA 7 = 2′OMe-rC 8 = 2′OMe-rG

Table 4

Table 4: Modifications are depicted by numbers shown in the rows at the bottom of the table, and for each duplex the first strand is on top and the second strand is below.

Different modification variants of one siRNA targeting TMPRSS6 were tested in human Hep3B cells, siRNAs targeting PTEN and Luciferase were used as non-related and non-targeting controls, respectively. All siRNAs were transfected with 1 μg/ml Atufect at 1 nM (0.1 nM when indicated). Total RNA was extracted 48 h after transfection and TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were quantified by Taqman qRT-PCR. TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were normalized to Actin mRNA levels. Each bar represents mean+/−SD of three technical replicates. The results are shown in FIG. 9.

Example 8

Modification variants of a GalNAc-conjugated siRNA targeting TMPRSS6 were synthesised and are shown in FIG. 12. For each duplex, the first strand sequence is listed on top and the second strand sequence below. Modifications are depicted as numbers and are as follows: GN indicates conjugation to a GalNAc linker in accordance with FIG. 8a . The sequence and modification of STS12 (GN-TMPRSS6-hcm9) is also depicted in FIG. 7.

Example 9

Different modification variants of one GalNAc conjugated sequence targeting TMPRSS6 (STS012) reduce TMPRSS6 expression in mouse primary hepatocytes. For receptor-mediated uptake, cells were incubated with 100, 10, 1 and 0.1 nM siRNA conjugate for 24 hours. Total RNA was extracted and TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were quantified by Taqman qRT-PCR. TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were normalized to Actin mRNA levels. Mean+/−SD of each three technical replicates are shown in FIG. 10.

Example 10

Different modification variants of one GalNAc-conjugated sequence targeting TMPRSS6 (STS012, GN-TMPRSS6-hcm9) were tested in vivo. 1 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg GalNAc-siRNA conjugate were subcutaneously injected into male C57BL/6JOIaHsd mice. 14 days after treatment, TMPRSS6 (A) and HAMP (B) mRNA levels in the liver were analyzed by Taqman qRT-PCR. Bars represent mean of at least 4 animals+/−SD. Results are shown in FIG. 11.

Example 11

Two different modification variants of one GalNAc-conjugated sequence targeting TMPRSS6 (STS012) were tested in vivo. 1 mg/kg GalNAc-siRNA conjugates were subcutaneously injected into male C57BL/6JOIaHsd mice. 14 and 28 days after treatment, TMPRSS6 mRNA levels in the liver were analyzed by Taqman qRT-PCR (A). In addition, serum iron levels were analyzed (B). Results are shown in FIG. 13. Box plots represent median of 4 animals. Statistical analysis is based on Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's multiple comparison test against PBS group.

The sequences are as in Example 10.

Example 12

Two different modification variants of one GalNAc-conjugated sequence targeting TMPRSS6 (STS12009L4, GN2-TMPRSS6-hcm9) were tested in vivo. 1 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg GalNAc-siRNA conjugates were subcutaneously injected into male C57BL/6JOIaHsd mice. 14 days after treatment, TMPRSS6 mRNA levels in the liver were analyzed by Taqman qRT-PCR (A). In addition, serum iron levels were analyzed (B). Results are shown in FIG. 14. Box plots represent median of 4 animals. Statistical analysis is based on Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's multiple comparison test against PBS group.

The duplexes used are shown below in Table 5. All sequences correspond to SEQ ID NO:1⁷ and SEQ ID NO:18

sequence and chemistry duplex ID (top: first strand, bottom: second strand, both 5′-3′) STS12009L4 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mA GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fU STS12009V2L4 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mA GN2-mUmCmAmCfCmUfGfCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUmGmG(ps)mU(ps)mU STS12009V8L4 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCmCmAmGmAmAmGmAmAfGmCfAmGmGmU(ps)mG(ps) mA GN2-mUmCmAmCfCmUfGfCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUmGmG(ps)mU(ps)mU GN2-Luc mU(ps)fU(ps)mAfGmUfAmAfAmCfCmUfUmUfUmGfAmG(ps)fA(ps)mC GN2-fGmUfCmUfCmAfAmAfAmGfGmUfUmUfAmCfU(ps)mA(ps)fA mA, mU, mC, mG—2′-OMe RNA fA, fU, fC, fG—2′-F DNA (ps)—phosphorothioate GN2 = GalNAc structure according to FIG. 8B

Table 5

Table 5: Modification variants of GalNAc-conjugated sequences targeting TMPRSS6.

Example 13

Different modification variants of one siRNA targeting TMPRSS6 were tested in human Hep3B cells. An siRNA targeting Luciferase was used as non-targeting control. All siRNAs were transfected with 1 μg/ml Atufect at 1 nM and 0.1 nM. Total RNA was extracted 48 h after transfection and TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were quantified by Taqman qRT-PCR. TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were normalized to PTEN mRNA levels. Results are shown in FIG. 15. Each bar represents mean+/−SD of three technical replicates.

The sequences are shown in Table 6 below. All sequences correspond to SEQ ID NO:17 (top) and SEQ ID NO:18 (bottom).

duplex sequence and chemistry ID (top: first strand, bottom: second strand, both 5′-3′) TMP01 mAfAmCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU TMP66 mAfAmCfCmAmGfAmAmGmAmAmGmCfAmGmGmUmGmA mUmCmAmCmCmUfGmCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUmGmGm UmU TM P69 fAfAfCfCfAmGfAfAfGfAmAfGfCfAmGfGfUfGfA fUmCfAfCfCfUfGfClUtUfCmUfUmCfUfGfGfUfU IMP79 fAfAmaCfAmGfAfAfGfAmAfGfCfAmGfGmUmGmA mUmCfAmCfCmUfGfCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUfGfGmUmU TMP80 fAfAmCmCfAmGfAfAfGrAmAfGfCfAmGfGmUmGmA mUmCfAmCfCmUfGfCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUfGfGmUmU TMP81 fAfAmCfCfAmGfAfAfGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUmGmA mUmCfAmCfCmUfGfCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUfGfGmUmU mA, mU, mC, mG—2′-OMe RNA fA, fU, fC, fG—2′-F DNA (ps)—phosphorothioate

Table 6

Table 6: Different modification variants of one siRNA targeting TMPRSS6.

Example 14

Modification variants of a GalNAc-conjugated siRNA targeting TMPRSS6 were tested in human Hep3B cells. 150,000 cells were seeded per 6-well. After 24 h, siRNA conjugates were transfected with 1 μg/ml Atufect at 10, 1, 0.1, 0.01, and 0.001 nM (A) or 5, 0.5, 0.05, 0.005 nM (B). A GalNAc-siRNA against Luciferase was used as non-targeting control. Total RNA was extracted 72 h after transfection and TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were quantified by Taqman qRT-PCR. TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were normalized to PTEN mRNA levels (A) or Actin mRNA levels (B). Results are shown in FIG. 16. Each bar represents mean+/−SD of three technical replicates.

Sequences are shown in Table 7 below

sequence and chemistry duplex ID (top: first strand, bottom: second strand, both 5′-3′) STS12009L4 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mA GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fU STS12009V27L4 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCmCmAmGmAmAmGmAmAfGmCfAmGmGmU(ps)mG(ps) mA GN2-mUmCmAmCmCmUfGfCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUmGmG(ps)mU(ps)mU STS12009V41L4 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCmCmAmGmAmAmGmAmAfGmCfAmGmGmU(ps)mG(ps) mA GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fU RNA mA, mU, mC, mG—2′-OMe RNA fA, fU, fC, fG—2′-F DNA (ps)—phosphorothioate GN2 = GalNAc structure according to FIG. 8B

Table 7

Table 7: Modification variants of a GalNAc-conjugated siRNA targeting TMPRSS6

Example 15

A modification variant of a GalNAc-conjugated sequence targeting TMPRSS6 (STS12009L4) was tested in mouse primary hepatocytes. For receptor-mediated uptake, cells were incubated with 100, 25, 5, 1, 0.25 and 0.05 nM siRNA conjugate for 24 h. A GalNAc-siRNA targeting an unrelated sequence (GN-TTR) and a non-targeting GalNAc-siRNA (GN-Luc) were used as controls. Total RNA was extracted and TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were quantified by Taqman qRT-PCR. TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were normalized to PTEN mRNA levels. Results are shown in FIG. 17. Mean+/−SD of each three technical replicates are shown.

Sequences are shown in Table 7, above.

Example 16

Different DNA- and LNA-containing variants of one siRNA targeting TMPRSS6 were tested in human Hep3B cells. Therefore, 150,000 cells were seeded per 6-well. After 24 h, siRNAs were transfected with 1 μg/ml Atufect at 0.1 nM siRNA. Total RNA was extracted 48 h after transfection and TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were quantified by Taqman qRT-PCR. TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were normalized to Actin mRNA levels. Results are shown in FIG. 18. Each bar represents mean+/−SD of three technical replicates.

Sequences are shown in Table 8, below. All sequences correspond to SEQ ID NO:17 (top) and SEQ ID NO:18 (bottom).

duplex sequence and chemistry ID (top: first strand, bottom: second strand, both 5′-3′) TMP01 mAfAmCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU TMP95 mAfAmCmCmAmGmAmAmGmAmAmGmCfAmGmGm UmGmA fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU TMP99 mAfAmCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA mUmCmAmCmCmUfGmCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUmGm GmUmU TMP112 mA[A]mCmCmAmGmAmAmGmAmAmGmCfAmGmGm UmGmA fUmCfAmCfCmUlGmCfUmUrCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU TMP114 mAfAmCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA mUmCmAmCmCmU{G}mCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUmGm GmUmU TMP115 mAfAmCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA mUmCmAmCmCmUfGmC{U}mUmCmUmUmCmUmGm GmUmU TMP116 mAfAmCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA mUmCmAmCmCmU[G]mCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUmGm GmUmU TMP117 mAfAmCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA mUmCmAmCmCmUfGmC[U]mUmCmUmUmCmUmGm GmUmU mA, mU, mC, mG—2′-OMe RNA fA, fU, fC, fG—2′-F DNA [A], [T], [C], [G]—DNA {A}, {U}, {C}, {G}—LNA (ps)—phosphorothioate

Table 8

Table 8: Different DNA- and LNA-containing variants of one siRNA targeting TMPRSS6.

Example 17

The influence of inverted A and G RNA nucleotides at terminal 3′ positions was analyzed using an siRNA against TMPRSS6. TMP70 contains phosphorothioates at all termini, whereas TMP82 and TMP83 contain ivA (TMP82) and ivG (TMP83) at the 3′-end of the antisense and at the 3′-end of the sense. Both inverted nucleotides are present in addition to the terminal nucleotide of the respective strands and are linked via a phosphorothioate bond. A non-related siRNA (PTEN) and a non-targeting siRNA (Luci) were included as controls. All tested variants show comparable activity under the tested conditions.

The experiment was conducted in Hep3B cells. Cells were seeded at a density of 150,000 cells per 6-well, transfected with 1 nM and 0.1 nM siRNA and 1 μg/ml Atufect after 24 h and lysed after 48 h. Total RNA was extracted and TMPRSS6 and Actin mRNA levels were determined by Taqman qRT-PCR. Results are shown in FIG. 19. Each bar represents mean±SD from three technical replicates.

The sequences are shown below in Table 9. Sequences correspond to SEQ ID NO:17 (top) or SEQ ID NO:18 (bottom).

sequence and chemistry duplex ID (top: first strand, bottom: second strand, both 5′-3′) TMP70 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mA fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fU IMP82 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA(ps)ivA fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU(ps)ivA TMP83 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA(ps)ivG fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU(ps)ivG mA, mU, mC, mG—2′-OMe RNA fA, fU, fC, fG—2′-F DNA ivA, ivG—inverted RNA (3′-3′) (ps)—phosphorethioate

Table 9

Table 9: An siRNA against TMPRSS6 including inverted RNA nucleotides at different positions.

Example 18

Different siRNA duplexes containing inverted RNA nucleotides at both 3′-ends were tested for serum stability. TMP84-TMP87 contain inverted RNA in addition to the last nucleotide in the sense strand and instead of the last nucleotide in the antisense strand. TMP88-TMP91 contain inverted RNA in addition to the last nucleotide in the antisense strand and instead of the last nucleotide in the sense strand. All inverted RNA nucleotides substitute for terminally used phosphorothioates. In the design of TMP84-TMP87, ivA and ivG confer higher stability to the tested sequence than ivU and ivC (part A). In the design of TMP88-TMP91, there is no influence of base identity on duplex stability (part B).

Results are shown in FIG. 20. “UT” indicates untreated samples. “FBS” indicates siRNA duplexes which were incubated at 5 μM final concentration with 50% FBS for 3 d, phenol/chloroform-extracted and precipitated with Ethanol. Samples were analyzed on 20% TBE polyacrylamide gels in native gel electrophoresis.

Sequences are show in the Table 10, below, and correspond to SEQ ID NO:17 (top) and SEQ ID NO:18 (bottom).

sequence and chemistry duplex ID (top: first strand, bottom: second strand, both 5′-3′) TMP70 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mA fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fU TMP84 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfG ivA fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU ivG TMP85 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfG ivU fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU ivG TMP86 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfG ivC fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU ivG TMP87 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfG ivG fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU ivG TMP88 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA ivG fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmU ivA TMP89 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA ivG fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmU ivU TMP90 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA ivG fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmU ivC TMP91 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA ivG fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmU ivG mA, mU, mC, mG—2′-OMe RNA fA, fU, fC, fG—2′-F DNA ivA, ivG, ivC, ivG—inverted RNA (3′-3′) (ps)—phosphorethioate

Table 10

Table 10: Different siRNA duplexes containing inverted RNA nucleotides at both 3′-ends.

Example 19

The influence of inverted RNA nucleotides at terminal 3′ positions was analyzed using an siRNA against TMPRSS6. TMP70 contains phosphorothioates at all termini, whereas TMP84-TMP87 contain ivG at the 3′-end of the sense strand. The inverted RNA nucleotide is present in addition to the last nucleotide and substitutes for two phosphorothioates. At the antisense 3′-end, ivA (TMP84), ivU (TMP85), ivC (TMP86) and ivG (TMP87) were tested. These inverted RNA nucleotides were added instead of the terminal nucleotide and substitute for phosphorothioates. A non-related siRNA (PTEN) and a non-targeting siRNA (Luci) were included as controls. All tested variants show comparable activity under the tested conditions.

The experiment was conducted in Hep3B. Cells were seeded at a density of 150,000 cells per 6-well, transfected with 1 nM and 0.1 nM siRNA and 1 μg/ml Atufect after 24 h and lysed after 48 h. Total RNA was extracted and TMPRSS6 and Actin mRNA levels were determined by Taqman qRT-PCR. Results are shown in FIG. 21. Each bar represents mean±SD from three technical replicates.

The sequences are as in Table 10, above.

Example 20

The influence of inverted RNA nucleotides at terminal 3′ positions was analyzed using an siRNA against TMPRSS6. TMP70 contains phosphorothioates at all termini, whereas TMP88-TMP91 contain ivG at the 3′-end of the antisense strand. The inverted RNA nucleotide is present in addition to the last nucleotide and substitutes for two phosphorothioates. At the sense 3′-end, ivA (TMP88), ivU (TMP89), ivC (TMP90) and ivG (TMP91) were tested. These inverted RNA nucleotides were added instead of the terminal nucleotide and substitute for phosphorothioates. A non-related siRNA (PTEN) and a non-targeting siRNA (Luci) were included as controls. All tested variants show comparable activity under the tested conditions.

The experiment was conducted in Hep3B. Cells were seeded at a density of 150,000 cells per 6-well, transfected with 1 nM and 0.1 nM siRNA and 1 μg/ml Atufect after 24 h and lysed after 48 h. Total RNA was extracted and TMPRSS6 and Actin mRNA levels were determined by Taqman qRT-PCR. Results are shown in FIG. 22. Each bar represents mean±SD from three technical replicates.

Sequences are as shown in Table 10, above.

Example 21

The influence of inverted RNA nucleotides at terminal 3′ positions was analyzed using a GalNAc-siRNA conjugate targeting TMPRSS6 in liposomal transfections. STS12009-L4 contains phosphorothioates at all non-conjugated termini, whereas the tested variants contain an inverted RNA nucleotide at the 3′-end of both sense and antisense strand. The inverted RNA is present in addition to the last nucleotide and substitutes for two terminal phosphorothioates (STS12009V10-L4 and -V11-L4) or is used in addition to the terminal phosphorothioates (STS12009V29-L4 and STS12009V30-L4). Inverted A (STS12009V10-L4 and -V29-L4) and inverted G (STS12009V11-L4 and -V30-L4) were used. All tested variants show comparable activity under the tested conditions.

The experiment was conducted in Hep3B. Cells were seeded at a density of 150,000 cells per 6-well, transfected with 5 nM to 0.0016 nM siRNA and 1 μg/ml Atufect after 24 h and lysed after 48 h. Total RNA was extracted and TMPRSS6 and Actin mRNA levels were determined by Taqman qRT-PCR. Results are shown in FIG. 23. Each bar represents mean±SD of three technical replicates.

Sequences are set out in Table 11, below and correspond to SEQ ID NO:17 (top) and SEQ ID NO:18 (bottom).

sequence and chemistry Duplex ID (top: first strand, bottom: second strand, both 5′-3′) STS12009L4 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mA GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fU STS12009V10L4 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmAivA GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfUivA STS12009V11L4 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmAivG GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfUivG STS12009V29L4 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mAivA GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fUivA STS12009V30L4 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mAivG GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fUivG mA, mU, mC, mG—2′-OMe RNA fA, fU, fC, fG—2′-F DNA ivA, ivG—inverted RNA (3′-3′) (ps)—phosphorethioate GN2 = GalNAc structure according to FIG. 8B

Table 11

Table 11: An siRNA sequence including inverted RNA nucleotides at the 3′ ends

Example 22

Serum stability assay of GalNAc-siRNA conjugates containing one PS2 at individual ends. GalNAc was conjugated to the 5′-end of the sense strand and is internally stabilized by four PS. Phosphorodithioate modifications were placed at the 5′-antisense (STS12009V37L4), 3′-antisense (STS12009V36L4) and 3′-sense (STS12009V34L4) ends. STS12009L4 contains each two terminal PS at 5′-antisense, 3-antisense and 3′-sense ends, GalNAc is attached to the sense 5′-end and stabilized by four internal PS. 5 μM GalNAc-siRNA conjugates were incubated with 50% FBS for 3 d at 37° C. RNA was extracted and analyzed on 20% TBE polyacrylamide gels. Results are shown in FIG. 24. “UT” indicates untreated samples, “FBS” indicates FBS treatment. “Control” indicates a less stabilized GalNAc-siRNA conjugate of different sequence.

Sequences are shown in Table 12, below, and correspond to SEQ ID NO:17 (top) and SEQ ID NO:18 (bottom).

sequence and chemistry duplex ID (top: first strand, bottom: second strand, both 5′-3′) STS12009L4 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mA GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fU STS12009V34L4 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mA GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmU(ps2)fU STS12009V36L4 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfG(ps2)mA GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fU STS12009V37L4 mA(ps2)fAmCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mA GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fU mA, mU, mC, mG—2′-OMe RNA fA, fU, fC, fG—2′-F DNA (ps)—phosphorothioate (ps2)—phosphorodithioate GN2 = GalNAc structure according to FIG. 8B

Table 12

Table 12: GalNAc-siRNA conjugates containing one PS2 (phosphorodithioate) at individual ends.

Example 23

Activity of GalNAc-siRNA conjugates containing one PS2 at individual ends. GalNAc was conjugated to the 5′-end of the sense strand and is internally stabilized by four PS. Phosphorodithioate modifications were placed at the 5′-antisense (STS12009V37L4), 3′-antisense (STS12009V36L4) and 3′-sense (STS12009V34L4) ends. The experiment was conducted in mouse primary hepatocytes. Cells were seeded at a density of 250,000 cells per 6-well and treated with 100 nM, 10 nM and 1 nM GalNAc-siRNA. Transfections with 10 nM GalNAc-siRNA and 1 μg/ml Atufect served as control. Cells were lysed after 24 h, total RNA was extracted and TMPRSS6 and PTEN mRNA levels were determined by Taqman qRT-PCR. Results are shown in FIG. 25. Each bar represents mean±SD from three technical replicates.

Sequences are as set out in Table 12, above.

Example 24

Serum stability assay of a GalNAc-siRNA conjugate (STS12009V40L4) containing each one PS2 at the second strand 5′-end and at the second strand 3′-end. GalNAc was conjugated to the 5′-end of the second strand and is not stabilized by any internal PS. STS12009L4 contains each two terminal PS at 5′-antisense, 3-antisense and 3′-sense ends, GalNAc is attached to the sense 5′-end and stabilized by four internal PS. 5 μM GalNAc-siRNA conjugates were incubated with 50% FBS for 3 d at 37° C. RNA was extracted and analyzed on 20% TBE polyacrylamide gels. Results are shown in FIG. 26. “UT” indicates untreated samples, “FBS” indicates FBS treatment. “Control” indicates a less stabilized GalNAc-siRNA conjugate of different sequence.

Sequences are set out in Table 13, below, and are SEQ ID NO:17 (top) and SEQ ID NO:18 (bottom).

sequence and chemistry duplex ID (top: first strand, bottom: second strand, both 5′-3′) STS12009L4 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mA GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fU STS12009V40L4 mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mA GNo-fU(ps2)mCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmU(ps2)fU mA, mU, mC, mG—2′-OMe RNA fA, fU, fC, fG—2′-F DNA (ps)—phosphorothioate (ps2)—phosphorodithioate GN2 = GalNAc structure according to FIG. 8B GNo—GN2 with phosphodiesters instead of (ps)

Table 13

Table 13: GalNAc-siRNA conjugate containing each one PS2 at the second strand 5′-end and at the second strand 3′-end.

Example 25

Activity of a GalNAc-siRNA conjugate (STS12009V40L4) containing each one PS2 at the sense strand 5′-end and at the sense strand 3-end. GalNAc was conjugated to the 5′-end of the sense strand and is not stabilized by any internal PS. STS12009L4 contains each two terminal PS at 5′-antisense, 3′-antisense and 3-sense ends, GalNAc is attached to the sense 5′-end and stabilized by four internal PS. The experiment was conducted in mouse primary hepatocytes. Cells were seeded at a density of 250.000 cells per 6-well and treated with 100 nM, 10 nM and 1 nM GalNAc-siRNA. A GalNAc conjugate of an siRNA against Luciferase (“GalNAc-Luc”) served as control. Cells were lysed after 24 h, total RNA was extracted and TMPRSS6 and PTEN mRNA levels were determined by Taqman qRT-PCR. Results are shown in FIG. 27. Each bar represents mean±SD from three technical replicates.

Sequences are as set out in Table 13, above.

Example 26

Inhibition of TMPRSS6 expression by different doses of GalNAc siRNAs in animal model for hereditary hemochromatosis. HFE^(−/−) female mice (Herrmann et al., J. Mol. Med (Berl), 2004 82, 39-48) were treated subcutaneously with a single dose of 1 or 3 mg/kg of GalNAc siRNA conjugate, respectively. Control groups were treated with PBS or with the non targeting control GN2-Luc siRNA1 (GN2-Luc) by subcutaneous injection. Target gene expression in liver tissue was assessed by qRT PCR three weeks after the injection of the conjugates. Group mean and +/−SD. Statistics: Kruskal-Wallis test with uncorrected Dunn. Sequence and modification of siRNA conjugates are depicted in FIG. 7. Results are shown in FIG. 28. P values: ****P<0.001; ***P<0.005; **0.01; *P<0.05.

Example 27

Increase of serum Hepcidin levels by different doses of GalNAc siRNAs in an animal model for hereditary hemochromatosis. HFE^(−/−) mice were treated with single dose of 1 or 3 mg/kg of GalNAc siRNA conjugate by subcutaneous injection. Control groups were treated with PBS or with non targeting control conjugate GN2-Luc siRNA 1 (GN2-Luc). Hepcidin levels were determined in serum samples collected three weeks after injection of the conjugates using ELISA kit (Intrinsic Life Science). Group means with SD. Kruskal-Wallis test with uncorrected Dunn's test against control group (GN2-Luc siRNA). Results are shown in FIG. 29. P values: ****P<0.001; ***P<0.005; **0.01; *P<0.05.

Example 28

Reduction of serum iron levels by different doses of GalNAc siRNAs in animal model for hereditary hemochromatosis. HFE^(−/−) mice were treated with single dose of 1 or 3 mg/kg of GalNAc siRNA conjugate by subcutaneous administration. Control groups were treated with PBS or with non targeting control conjugate (GN2-Luc siRNA). Serum iron levels were determined three weeks after the treatment. Group means+/−SD. Kruskal-Wallis test with uncorrected Dunn's test against control group (GN2-Luc). Sequences and modifications of siRNA conjugates are depicted in FIG. 7. Results are shown in FIG. 30. P values: ****P<0.001; ***P<0.005; **0.01; *P<0.05.

Example 29

Reduction of transferrin saturation by different doses of GalNAc siRNAs in animal model for hereditary hemochromatosis. HFE^(−/−) mice were treated with single dose of 1 or 3 mg/kg of GalNAc siRNA conjugate by subcutaneous administration. Control groups were treated with PBS or with non targeting control conjugate GN2-Luc siRNA1 (GN2-Luc). The % transferrin saturation in blood samples was determined three weeks after the treatment. Group means with SD. Kruskal-Wallis test with uncorrected Dunn's test against control group (GN2-Luc). Sequence and modification of siRNA conjugates are depicted in FIG. 7. Results are shown in FIG. 31. P values: ****P<0.001; ***P<0.005; **0.01; *P<0.05.

Example 30

Increase in Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC) in animal model for hereditary hemochromatosis. HFE^(−/−) mice were treated with single dose of 1 or 3 mg/kg of GalNAc siRNA conjugate by subcutaneous administration. Control groups were treated with PBS or with non targeting control conjugate GN2-Luc siRNA1 (GN2-LUC). Serum samples were collected three weeks after treatment for determination of UIBC. Group means with SD. Kruskal-Wallis test with uncorrected Dunn's test against control group (GN2-Luc). Results are shown in FIG. 32. P values: ****P<0.001; ***P<0.005; **0.01; *P<0.05.

Example 31

Reduction of tissue iron levels by GalNAc siRNAs in animal model for hereditary hemochromatosis. HFE^(−/−) mice were treated with single dose of 1 or 3 mg/kg of GalNAc siRNA conjugate by subcutaneous administration. Control groups were treated with PBS or with non targeting control conjugate GN2-Luc siRNA1 (GN2-Luc). Iron levels in kidney tissue was assessed three weeks after the treatment. Box and Wiskers (Tukey, median values) Kruskal-Wallis test with uncorrected Dunn's test against control group (GN2-Luc). Results are shown in FIG. 33.

Example 32

Reduction of TMPRSS6 mRNA Expression by Different siRNAs in Hep3B Cells.

8000 cells per well were plated in 96-well plates. The following day cells were transfected with 20 nM siRNA and 1 μg/ml AtuFECT. Two days after transfection cells were lysed and TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were determined by q-RT-PCR. TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were normalized to expression levels of the house keeping gene ApoB. An siRNAs against Luciferase was used as non targeting control. Average inhibition and standard deviation of triplicate values relative to untreated cells are shown in FIG. 34. The sequences of the siRNAs are shown in Table 14, below.

SEQ ID Duplex ID strand ID NO: siRNA sequence TMPRSS6-SR1 hcTMP-SR1-A 133 mCfUmGfAmGfGmAfCmGfCmCfCmUfGmGfGmAfG mU hcTMP-SR1-B 134 fAmCfUmCfCmCfAmGfGmGfCmGfUmCfCmUfCmAf G TMPRSS6-SR2 hcTMP-SR2-A 135 mGfCmUfGmAfGmGfAmCfGmCfCmCfUmGfGmGfA mG hcTMP-SR2-B 136 fCmUfCmCfCmAfGmGfGmCfGmUfCmCfUmCfAmGf C TMPRSS6-SR3 hcTMP-SR3-A 137 mUfGmCfUmGfAmGfGmAfCmGfCmCfCmUfGmGfG mA hcTMP-SR3-B 138 fUmCfCmCfAmGfGmGfCmGfUmCfCmUfCmAfGmCf A TMPRSS6-SR4 hcTMP-SR4-A 139 mGfUmGfCmUfGmAfGmGfAmCfGmCfCmCfUmGfG mG hcTMP-SR4-B 140 fCmCfCmAfGmGfGmCfGmUfCmCfUmCfAmGfCmAf C TMPRSS6-SRS hcTMP-SRS-A 141 mGfGmUfGmCfUmGfAmGfGmAfCmGfCmCfCmUfG mG hcTMP-SRS-B 142 fCmCfAmGfGmGfCmGfUmCfCmUfCmAfGmCfAmCf C TMPRSS6-SR6 hcTMP-SR6-A 143 mGfGmGfUmGfCmUfGmAfGmGfAmCfGmCfCmCfU mG hcTMP-SR6-B 144 fCmAfGmGfGmCfGmUfCmCfUmCfAmGfCmAfCmCf C TMPRSS6-SR8 hcTMP-SR8-A 145 mCfGmGfGmGfUmGfCmUfGmAfGmGfAmCfGmCfC mC hcTMP-SR8-B 146 fGmGfGmCfGmUfCmCfUrnCfAmGfCmAfCmCfCmCf G TMPRSS6-SR9 hcTMP-SR9-A 147 mAfCmGfGmGfGmUfGmCfUmGfAmGfGmAfCmGfC mC hcTMP-SR9-B 148 fGmGfCmGfUmCfCmUfCmAfGmCfAmCfCmCfCmGf U TMPRSS6-SR10 hcTMP-SR10-A 149 mUfAmCfGmGfGmGfUmGfCmUfGmAfGmGfAmCfG mC hcTMP-SR10-B 150 fGmCfGmUfCmCfUmCfAmGfCmAfCmCfCmCfGmUf A TMPRSS6-SR11 hcTMP-SR11-A 151 mGfUmAfCmGfGmGfGmUfGmCfUmGfAmGfGmAfC mG hcTMP-SR11-B 152 fCmGfUmCfCmUfCmAfGmCfAmCfCmCfCmGfUmAf C TMPRSS6-SR12 hcTMP-SR12-A 153 mAfGmUfAmCfGmGfGmGfUmGfCmUfGmAfGmGfA mC hcTMP-SR12-B 154 fGmUfCmCfUmCfAmGfCmAfCmCfCmCfGmUfAmCf U TMPRSS6-SR13 hcTMP-SR13-A 155 mAfAmGfUmAfCmGfGmGfGmUfGmCfUmGfAmGfG mA hcTMP-SR13-B 156 fUmCfCmUfCmAfGmCfAmCfCmCfCmGfUmAfCmUf U TMPRSS6-SR15 hcTMP-SR15-A 157 mGfGmAfAmGfUmAfCmGfGmGfGmUfGmCfUmGfA mG hcTMP-SR15-B 158 fCmUfCmAfGmCfAmCfCmCfCmGfUmAfCmUfUmCf C TMPRSS6-SR16 hcTMP-SR16-A 158 mGfGmGfAmAfGmUfAmCfGmGfGmGfUmGfCmUfG mA hcTMP-SR16-B 160 fUmCfAmGfCmAfCmCfCmCfGmUfAmCf UmUfCmCf C TMPRSS6-SR17 hcTMP-SR17-A 161 mGfGmGfGmAfAmGfUmAfCmGfGmGfGmUfGmCfU mG hcTMP-SR17-B 162 fCmAfGmCfAmCfCmCfCmGfUmAfCmUfUmCfCmCf C TMPRSS6-SR18 hcTMP-SR18-A 163 mUfGmGfGmGfAmAfGmUfAmCfGmGfGmGfUmGfC mU hcTMP-SR18-B 164 fAmGfCmAfCmCfCmCfGmUfAmCfUrnUfCmCfCmCf A TMPRSS6-SR19 hcTMP-SR19-A 165 mCfUmGfGmGfGmAfAmGfUmAfCmGfGmGfGmUfG mC hcTMP-SR19-B 166 fGmCfAmCfCmCfCmGfUmAfCmUfUmCfCmCfCmAf G TMPRSS6-SR21 hcTMP-SR21-A 167 mAfGmCfUmGfGmGfGmAfAmGfUmAfCmGfGmGfG mU hcTMP-SR21-B 168 fAmCfCmCfCmGfUmAfCmUfUmCfCmCfCmAfGmCf U TMPRSS6-SR22 hcTMP-SR22-A 169 mUfAmGfCmUfGmGfGmGfAmAfGmUfAmCfGmGfG mG hcTMP-SR22-B 170 fCmCfCmCfGmUfAmCfUmUfCmCfCmCfAmGfCmUf A TMPRSS6-SR23 hcTMP-SR23-A 171 mGfUmAfGmCfUmGfGmGfGmAfAmGfUmAfCmGfG mG hcTMP-SR23-B 172 fCmCfCmGfUmAfCmUfUmCfCmCfCmAfGmCfUmAf C TMPRSS6-SR24 hcTMP-SR24-A 173 mAfGmUfAmGfCmUfGmGfGmGfAmAfGmUfAmCfG mG hcTMP-SR24-B 174 fCmCfGmUfAmCfUmUfCmCfCmCfAmGfCmUfAmCf U TMPRSS6-SR26 hcTMP-SR26-A 175 mGfUmAfGmUfAmGfCmUfGmGfGmGfAmAfGmUfA mC hcTMP-SR26-B 176 fGmUfAmCfUmUfCmCfCmCfAmGfCmUfAmCfUmAf C TMPRSS6-SR27 hcTMP-SR27-A 177 mAfGmUfAmGfUmAfGmCfUmGfGmGfGmAfAmGfU mA hcTMP-SR27-B 178 fUmAfCmUfUmCfCmCfCmAfGmCfUmAfCmUfAmCf U TMPRSS6-SR28 hcTMP-SR28-A 179 mGfAmGfUmAfGmUfAmGfCmUfGmGfGmGfAmAfG mU hcTMP-SR28-B 180 fAmCfUmUfCmCfCmCfAmGfCmUfAmCfUmAfCmUf C TMPRSS6-SR29 hcTMP-SR29-A 181 mCfGmAfGmUfAmGfUmAfGmCfUmGfGmGfGmAfA mG hcTMP-SR29-B 182 fCmUfUmCfCmCfCmAfGmCfUmAfCmUfAmCfUmCf G TMPRSS6-SR30 hcTMP-SR30-A 183 mGfCmGfAmGfUmAfGmUfAmGfCmUfGmGfGmGfA mA hcTMP-SR30-B 184 fUmUfCmCfCmCfAmGfCmUfAmCfUmAfCmUfCmGf C TMPRSS6-SR31 hcTMP-SR31-A 185 mGfGmCfGmAfGmUfAmGfUmAfGmCfUmGfGmGfG mA hcTMP-SR31-B 186 fUmCfCmCfCmAfGmCfUmAfCmUfAmCfUmCfGmCf C TMPRSS6-SR32 hcTMP-SR32-A 187 mGfGmGfCmGfAmGfUmAfGmUfAmGfCmUfGmGfG mG hcTMP-SR32-B 188 fCmCfCmCfAmGfCmUfAmCfUmAfCmUfCmGfCmCf C TMPRSS6-SR33 hcTMP-SR33-A 189 mGfGmGfGmCfGmAfGmUfAmGfUmAfGmCfUmGfG mG hcTMP-SR33-B 190 fCmCfCmAfGmCfUmAfCmUfAmCfUmCfGmCfCmCf C TMPRSS6-SR34 hcTMP-SR34-A 191 mUfGmGfGmGfCmGfAmGfUmAfGmUfAmGfCmUfG mG hcTMP-SR34-B 192 fCmCfAmGfCmUfAmCfUmAfCmUfCmGfCmCfCmCf A TMPRSS6-SR35 hcTMP-SR35-A 193 mUfUmGfGmGfGmCfGmAfGmUfAmGfUmAfGmCfU mG hcTMP-SR35-B 194 fCmAfGmCfUmAfCmUfAmCfUmCfGmCfCmCfCmAf A TMPRSS6-hc-16 TMPRSS6-hc-16A 195 mUfAmUfUmCfCmAfAmAfGmGfGmCfAmGfCmUfG mA TMPRSS6-hc-16B 196 fUmCfAmGfCmUfGmCfCmCfUmUfUmGfGmAfAmUf A TMPRSS6-hc-17 TMPRSS6-hc-17A 197 mAfUmCfUmUfCmUfGmGfGmCfUmUfUmGfGmCfG mG TMPRSS6-hc-17B 198 fCmCfGmCfCmAfAmAfGmCfCmCfAmGfAmAfGmAf U TMPRSS6-hc-18 TMPRSS6-hc-18A 199 mUfUmUfUmCfUmCfUmUfGmGfAmGfUmCfCmUfC mA TMPRSS6-hc-18B 200 fUmGfAmGfGmAfCmUfCmCfAmAfGmAfGmAfAmAf A TMPRSS6-hc-19 TMPRSS6-hc-19A 201 mGfAmAfUmAfGmAfCmGfGmAfGmCfUmGfGmAfG mU TMPRSS6-hc-19B 202 fAmCfUmCfCmAfGmCfUmCfCmGfUmCfUmAfUmUf C TMPRSS6-hc-21 TMPRSS6-hc-21A 203 mUfAmGfUmAfGmCfUmGfGmGfGmAfAmGfUmAfC mG TMPRSS6-hc-21B 204 fCmGfUmAfCmUfUmCfCmCfCmAfGmCfUmAfCmUf A TMPRSS6-hc-22 TMPRSS6-hc-22A 205 mAfGmAfUmCfCmUfGmGfGmAfGmAfAmGfUmGfG mC TMPRSS6-hc-22B 206 fGmCfCmAfCmUfUmCfUmCfCmCfAmGfGmAfUmCf U TMPRSS6-hc-23 TMPRSS6-hc-23A 207 mCfUmGfUmUfCmUfGmGfAmUfCmGfUmCfCmAfC mU TMPRSS6-hc-23B 208 fAmGfUmGfGmAfCmGfAmUfCmCfAmGfAmAfCmAf G TMPRSS6-hcmr-24 TMPRSS6-hcmr-24A 209 mCfUmCfAmCfCmUfUmGfAmAfGmGfAmCfAmCfC mU TMPRSS6-hcmr-24B 210 fAmGfGmUfGmUfCmCfUmUfCmAfAmGfGmUfGmAf G TMPRSS6-hcm-25 TMPRSS6-hcm-25A 211 mAfGmUfUmUfCmUfCmUfCmAfUmCfCmAfGmGfC mC TMPRSS6-hcm-25B 212 fGmGfCmCfUmGfGmAfUmGfAmGfAmGfAmAfAmCf U TMPRSS6-hcr-26 TMPRSS6-hcr-26A 213 mGfUmAfCmCfCmUfAmGfGmAfAmAfUmAfCmCfAm G TMPRSS6-hcr-26B 214 fCmUfGmGfUmAfUmUfUmCfCmUfAmGfGmGfUmAf C TMPRSS6-hc-27 TMPRSS6-hc-27A 215 mCfUmGfUmUfGmAfCmUfGmUfGmGfAmCfAmGfC mA TMPRSS6-hc-27B 216 fUmGfCmUfGmUfCmCfAmCfAmGfUmCfAmAfCmAf G

Table 14

Table 14: Sequences of siRNAs against TMPRSS6 tested in example 32. fU, fA, fC, fG-2′F modified deoxynucleotides. mU, mA, mC, mG-2′O-methyl modified nucleotides.

Example 33

Dose-Response of siRNAs Against TMPRSS6 in Hep3B Cells.

8000 cells per well were plated in 96-well plates. The following day cells were transfected with siRNA in indicated concentrations (100 nM-0.03 nM) and 1 μg/ml AtuFECT. Two days after transfection cells were lysed and TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were determined by q-RT-PCR. TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were normalized to expression levels of the house keeping gene ApoB. Average inhibition and standard deviation of triplicate values relative to cells treated with 100 nM of a non-targeting Luciferase-control siRNA are shown in FIG. 35. Table 15, below, shows maximum inhibition, IC50 and 95% confidence interval according to dose-response curves shown in FIG. 35.

95% kd at confidence 20 nM as Max interval shown in Duplex ID inhibition IC50 [nM] [nM] FIG. 34 sd TMPRSS6-hcrnr-24  73% 0.8 0.1-6.2 70%  2% TMPRSS-hc-17  82% 2.4 1.1-5.0 79%  5% TMPRSS-SR-27  94% 2.8 0.7-10.8 84%  4% TMPRSS-hcr-26 100% 3.5 1.4-9.0 98%  2% TMPRSS-hc-18  95% 4.6 1.5-14.1 90%  1% TMPRSS-hc-23  83% 4.6 1.9-11.1 70%  7% TMPRSS-hcm-25  87% 4.6 2.1-10.2 85%  3% TMPRSS-SR-21 100% 5.8 0.9-36.9 92%  4% TMPRSS-hc-19 100% 6.1 3.0-12.5 89%  2% TMPRSS-hc-16 100% 7.7 2.6-22.6 91%  3% TMPRSS-hc-22  99% 8.1 2.1-31.1 73% 20% TMPRSS-SR-16 100% 8.4 2.5-28.2 88%  2% TMPRSS-SR-5 100% 8.4 2.4-29.0 85%  2%

Table 15

Table 15: Maximum inhibition, IC50 and 95% confidence interval according to dose response shown in FIG. 35.

Example 34

Inhibition of TMPRSS6 mRNA Expression by Receptor Mediated Uptake in 1° Human Hepatocytes.

Primary human hepatocytes were plated on collagen coated dishes and incubated with siRNA conjugates diluted in cell culture medium at concentrations of 300 nM to 1 nM as indicated. 24 hours after exposing the cells to siRNA conjugates total RNA was extracted and TMPRSS6 expression was quantified by Taqman qRT-PCR. TMPRSS6 mRNA levels were normalized to Actin mRNA levels and to target mRNA levels of cells treated with non targeting control siRNA conjugate GN2-Luc siRNA 1 (GN2-Luc). Dose dependent inhibition of TMPRSS6 expression was observed by the GalNAc-TMPRSS6 siRNA conjugate. Sequences and modifications of the conjugates are depicted in FIG. 7. Results are shown in FIG. 36.

Example 35

GalNAc TMPRSS6 siRNA Raises Hematocrit Values in Rodent Model for ⋅-Thalassemia Intermedia.

Hbb^(th3/+) mice (Yang et al. 1995, PNAS Vol. 92, 11608-11612) were treated on d1 and on d15 subcutaneously with 3 mg/kg GN2-TMPRSS6-hcm9 (GN2-TMP), GN2-Luc siRNA 1 (GN2-Luc) or PBS as non targeting control or as vehicle control, respectively. On d 36 whole blood was collected into heparin coated tubes for full blood examination. Hbb^(th3/+) mice were obtained from Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, Me.) and maintained on a C57BL/6 background. Blood samples from untreated wild type (WT) mice (C57BL/6) were collected and analysed for comparisons. Scatter dot blot, mean+/−SD; n=3-6. Statistics: unpaired t test with Welch's correction. Results are shown in FIG. 37.

Example 36

GalNAc TMPRSS6 siRNA Reduces Red Blood Cell Distribution Width in Rodent Model for b-Thalassemia Intermedia.

Hbb^(th3/+) mice (Yang et al. 1995, PNAS Vol. 92, 11608-11612) were treated on d1 and on d15 subcutaneously with 3 mg/kg GN2-TMPRSS6-hcm9 (GN2-TMP), GN2-Luc siRNA1 (GN2-Luc) or PBS as non targeting control or as vehicle control, respectively. On d 36 whole blood was collected into heparin coated tubes for full blood examination. The Hbb^(th3/+) mice were obtained from Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, Me.) and maintained on a C57BL/6 background. Blood samples from untreated wild type (WT) mice (C57BL/6) were collected and analysed for comparisons. Scatter dot blot, mean+/−SD: n=3-6. Statistics: unpaired t test with Welch's correction. Results are shown in FIG. 38.

Examples 37

GalNAc TMPRSS6 siRNA Reduces the Proportion of Reticulocytes in Rodent Model for ⋅⋅ Thalassemia Intermedia

Hbb^(th3/+) mice (Yang et al. 1995, PNAS Vol. 92, 11608-11612) were treated on d1 and on d15 subcutaneously with 3 mg/kg GN2-TMPRSS6 hcm9 (GN2-TMP), GN2-Luc siRNA 1 (GN2-Luc) or PBS as non targeting control or as vehicle control, respectively. On d 36 whole blood was collected into heparin coated tubes for full blood examination. The Hbb^(th3/+) mice were obtained from Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, Me.) and maintained on a C57BL/6 background. Blood samples from untreated wild type (WT) mice (C57BL/6) were collected and analysed for comparisons. Scatter dot blot, mean+/−SD; n=3-6. Statistics: unpaired t test with Welch's correction. Results are shown in FIG. 39.

Examples 38

GalNAc TMPRSS6 siRNA reduces the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rodent model for ⋅-thalassemia intermedia. Hbb^(th3/+) mice (Th3/+; Yang et al. 1995, PNAS Vol. 92, 11608-11612) were treated on d1 and on d15 subcutaneously with 3 mg/kg GN2-TMPRSS6 hcm9 (GN2-TMP) or GN2-Luc 1 siRNA (GN2-Luc) as non targeting control. On d 36 whole blood was collected into heparin coated tubes for full blood examination. ROS measurements were performed 5 min. after addition of 2′7′ dichloro-fluorescein as indicator (Siwaponanan et al, 2017 Blood, 129, 3087-3099). Blood samples from GN2-TMPRSS6 hcm9 treated mice were measured twice. The Hbb^(th3/+) mice (Th3/+) were obtained from Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, Me.) and maintained on a C57BL/6 background. Blood samples from untreated wild type (WT) mice (C57BL/6) were collected and analysed for comparisons. Scatter dot blot, mean+/−SD; n=4-6. Statistic: unpaired t test with Welch's correction. Results are shown in FIG. 40.

Example 39

GalNAc TMPRSS6 siRNA raises hemoglobin levels in rodent model for ⋅-thalassemia intermedia. Hbb^(th3/+) mice (Yang et al. 1995, PNAS Vol. 92, 11608-11612) were treated on d1 and on d15 subcutaneously with 3 mg/kg GN2-TMPRSS6-hcm9 (GN2-TMP), GN2-Luc-siRNA 1 (GN2-Luc) or PBS as non targeting control or as vehicle control, respectively. On d 36 whole blood was collected into heparin coated tubes for full blood examination. Hbb^(th3/+) mice were obtained from Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, Me.) and maintained on a C57BL/6 background. Blood samples from untreated wild type (wt) mice (C57BL/6) were collected and analysed for comparisons. Scatter dot blot, mean+/−SD; n=5-7. Statistics: Welch's t-tests uncorrected for multiple comparison. Results are shown in FIG. 41. siRNA conjugates are depicted in FIG. 7.

Example 40

GalNAc TMPRSS6 reduces splenomegaly in rodent model for ⋅-thalassemia intermedia. Hbb^(th3/+) mice (Yang et al. 1995, PNAS Vol. 92, 11608-11612) were treated on d1 and on d15 subcutaneously with 3 mg/kg GN2-TMPRSS6-hcm9 (GN2-TMP), GN2-Luc-siRNA 1 (GN2-Luc) or PBS as non targeting control or as vehicle control, respectively. On d 39 spleen weights were assessed. Hbb^(th3/+) mice were obtained from Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, Me.) and maintained on a C57BL/6 background. Spleen weights from wild type (wt) mice (C57BL/6) treated with PBS were assessed for comparisons. Scatter dot blot, mean+/−SD; n=5-7. Statistics: Welch's t-tests uncorrected for multiple comparison. Results are shown in FIG. 42. siRNA conjugates are depicted in FIG. 7.

Example 41

GalNAc TMPRSS6 improves red blood cell maturation in the bone marrow. Hbb^(th3/+) mice (Yang et al. 1995, PNAS Vol. 92, 11608-11612) were treated on d1 and on d15 subcutaneously with 3 mg/kg GN2-TMPRSS6-hcm9 (GN2-TMP), GN2-Luc-siRNA 1 (GN2-Luc) or PBS as non targeting control or as vehicle control, on d39 cells were collected from the bone marrow and analyzed by FACS analysis. Viable erythroid cells were separated into distinct populations based on CD71, Ter119 and CD44 staining. Hbb^(th3/+) mice were obtained from Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, Me.) and maintained on a C57BL/6 background. Erythroid cells from the bone marrow of wild type (wt) mice (C57BL/6) treated with PBS were assessed for comparisons. Bar graph, mean+/−SD; n=5-7. Statistics: Welch's t-tests uncorrected for multiple comparison. Results are shown in FIG. 43. siRNA conjugates are depicted in FIG. 7.

Example 42

GalNAc TMPRSS6 reduces ineffective erythropoiesis in the spleen. Hbb^(th3/+) mice (Yang et al. 1995, PNAS Vol. 92, 11608-11612) were treated on d1 and on d15 subcutaneously with 3 mg/kg GN2-TMPRSS6 hcm9 (GN2-TMP), GN2-Luc siRNA 1 (GN2-Luc) or PBS as non targeting control or as vehicle control, respectively. On d 39 cells were collected from the spleen and analyzed by FACS analysis. Viable erythroid cells were separated into distinct populations based on CD71, Ten 19 and CD44 staining. Hbb^(th3/+) mice were obtained from Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, Me.) and maintained on a C57BL/6 background. Erythroid cells from the from wild type (wt) mice (C57BL/6) treated with PBS were assessed for comparisons. Bar graph, mean+/−SD; n=5-7. Statistics: Welch's t-tests uncorrected for multiple comparison. Results are shown in FIG. 44. siRNA conjugates are depicted in FIG. 7.

Example 43

Reduction of TMPRSS6 Expression in Human Hepatocytes by GalNAc siRNA Conjugates.

30,000 cpw human primary hepatocytes were seeded in collagen-coated 96-well plates. Cell were treated with indicated amounts of siRNA conjugates immediately after plating. Cells were lyed 24 hours post treatment and TMPRSS6 mRNA expression analyzed by TaqMan qRT-PCR. Triplicate values of TMPRSS6 normalized to ApoB (housekeeper) and to mean of untreated cells are shown.

Results are shown in FIG. 45a, 45b and FIG. 46, and sequences are shown in FIG. 47. The GN3 linker described is shown in FIG. 8C.

Example 44

Serum stability assay of GalNAc-siRNA conjugates with phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates and phosphodiesters in terminal positions and in the GalNAc moiety. GalNAc was conjugated to the 5′-end of the sense strand and is internally stabilized by four PS (STS12009L4) or not, then phosphodiester linkages are used instead (STS12009V54L50-V57L50). Phosphorodithioate modifications were placed at all terminal positions of the duplex except of the first strand 5′-end (-V54L50), at the 3′-ends only (-V55L50, -V57L50) or at the 3′-end of the second strand only (-V56L50). In certain designs, phosphodiesters were used in terminal positions of the siRNA duplex (-V56L50, -V57L50). 5 μM GalNAc-siRNA conjugates were incubated with 50% FBS for 3 d at 37° C. RNA was extracted and analyzed on 20% TBE polyacrylamide gels. “UT” indicates untreated samples, “FBS” indicates FBS treatment. “Control” indicates a less stabilized GalNAc-siRNA conjugate of different sequence.

GalNAc conjugates of an siRNA targeting TMPRSS6 containing different end stabilization chemistries (phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate, phosphodiester) were tested by receptor-mediated uptake in primary mouse hepatocytes. GalNAc was conjugated to the 5′-end of the second strand and is internally stabilized by four PS (STS12009L4) or not, then phosphodiester linkages are used instead (STS12009V54L50-V57L50). Phosphorodithioate modifications were placed at all terminal positions of the duplex except of the first strand 5′-end (-V54L50), at the 3′-ends only (-V55L50, -V57L50) or at the 3′-end of the second strand only (-V56L50). In certain designs, phosphodiesters were used in terminal positions of the siRNA duplex (-V56L50, -V57L50). The experiment was conducted in mouse primary hepatocytes. Cells were seeded at a density of 20,000 cells per 96-well and treated with 125 nM to 0.2 nM GalNAc-siRNA. Cells were lysed after 24 h, total RNA was extracted and TMPRSS6 and PTEN mRNA levels were determined by Taqman qRT-PCR. Each bar represents mean±SD of three technical replicates.

Results and relevant sequences are shown in FIGS. 48-50.

Example 45

Reduction of TMPRSS6 expression in primary murine hepatocytes by GalNAc siRNA conjugates with 2′-O-methyl-uridine or 5′-(E)-vinylphosphonate-2′-O-methyl-uridine replacing the 2′-O-methyl-adenin at the 5′ position of the first strand.

Murine primary hepatocytes were seeded into collagen pre-coated 96 well plates (Thermo Fisher Scientific, #A1142803) at a cell density of 30,000 cells per well and treated with siRNA-conjugates at concentrations ranging from 100 nM to 0.1 nM. 24 h post treatment cells were lysed and RNA extracted with InviTrap® RNA Cell HTS 96 Kit/C24×96 preps (Stratec #7061300400) according to the manufactures protocol. Transcripts levels of TMPRSS6 and housekeeping mRNA (PtenII) were quantified by TaqMan analysis.

siRNA conjugates:

first strand / siRNA second duplex strand sequence & modification STS12009L4 TMSS6- mA (ps) TA (ps) mC fC mA fG mA fA mG fA mA fG mC fA mG (X0027) hcm9-A fG mU (ps) fG (ps) mA TMSS6- GN2 fU mC fA mC fC mU fG mC fU mU fC mU fU mC fU mG hcm9-BL4 fG (ps) mU (ps) fU STS12209V4 TMPRSS6- vinylphosphonate-mU (ps) fA (ps) mC fC mA fG mA fA mG L4 (X0204) hcm209AV4 fA mA fG mC fA mG fG mU (ps) fG (ps) mA TMPRSS6- GN2 fU mC fA mC fC mU fG mC fU mU fC mU fU mC fU mG hcm209-BL4 fG (ps) mU (ps) fA STS12209V5 TMPRSS6- vinylphosphonate-mU fA mC fC mA fG mA fA mG fA mA fG L4 (x0205) hcm209- mC fA mG fG mU (ps) fG (ps) mA AV5 TMPRSS6- GN2 fU mC fA mC fC mU fG mC fU mU fC mU fU mC fU mG hcm209-BL4 fG (ps) mU (ps) fA STS12209L4 TMPRSS6- mU (ps) fA (ps) mC fC mA fG mA fA mG fA mA fG mC fA mG (x0207) hcm209A fG mU (ps) fG (ps) mA TMPRSS6- GN2 fU mC fA mC fC mU fG mC fU mU fC mU fU mC fU mG hcm209-BL4 fG (ps) mU (ps) fA STS12209V1 TMPRSS6- mU fA mC fC mA fG mA fA mG fA mA fG mC fA mG fG mU L4 (x0208) hcm9-AV1 (ps) fG (ps) mA TMPRSS6- GN2 fU mC fA mC fC mU fG mC fU mU fC mU fU mC fU mG hcm209-BL4 fG (ps) mU (ps) fA STS18001 STS18001A mU(ps)fC(ps)mGfAmAfGmUfAmUfUmCfCmGfCmGfUmA(p (X0028) s)fC(ps)mG STS18001B GN2 fCmGfUmAfCmGfCmGfGmAfAmUfAmCfUmUfC (ps) L4 mG (ps) fA Legend: mN 2′-O-methyl ribonucleotide (e.g. mU - 2′-O-methyl Uracil) fN 2′-fluoro ribonucleotide (e.g. fC - 2′-fluoro Cytidin) (ps) phosphorothioate vinylphosphonate vinyl-(E)-phosphonate GN2 strcuture according to FIG. 8B

Taq Man primer and probes PTEN-2 CACCGCCAAATTTAACTGCAGA PTEN-2 AAGGGTTTGATAAGTTCTAGCTGT PTEN-2 FAM- TGCACAGTATCCTTTTGAAGACCATAACCCA- TAMRA hTMSS6:379U17 CCGCCAAAGCCCAGAAG hTMSS6:475L21 GGTCCCTCCCCAAAGGAATAG hTMSS6:416U28FL FAM- CAGCACCCGCCTGGGAACTTACTACAAC-BHQ1 Legend: FAM - 6-carboxyfluorescein (fluorescent dye) TAMRA - tetramethylrhodamine (quencher) BHQ1 - black hole quencher 1 (quencher)

In Vitro Dose Response

Target gene expression in primary murine hepatocytes 24 h following treatment with TMPRSS6-siRNA carrying vinyl-(E)-phosphonate 2′OMe-Uracil at the 5-position of the anti-sense strand and two phosphorothioate linkages between the first three nucleotides (STS12209V4L4), vinyl-(E)-phosphonate 2′OMe-Uracil at the 5-position of the anti-sense strand and phosphodiester bonds between the first three nucleotides (STS12209V5L4), carrying 2′-O-methyl-Uracil and two phosphorothioate linkages between the first three nucleotides at the 5′-position (STS12209L4) or carrying 2′-O-methyl-Uracil and two phosphodiester linkages between the first three nucleotides at the 5′-position (STS12209V1L4) or ) or (STS12009L4) as reference or a non-targeting GalNAc-siRNA (STS18001) at indicated concentrations or left untreated (UT).

Results are shown in FIG. 51.

Serum Stability

Serum stability of siRNA conjugates incubated for 4 hours (4 h) or 3 days (3d) or left untreated (0 h) in 50% FCS at 37° C. Following RNA was extracted by phenol/chlorophorm/isoamyl alcohol extraction. Degradation was visualized by TBE-Polyacrylamid-gel-electrophoresis and staining RNA with SybrGold.

Results are shown in FIG. 52: Serum stability of siRNA-conjugates vs. less stabilized positive control for nuclease degradation.

SEQ ID NO Name Sequence (5′-3′)   1 TMPRSS6-hc-1A 6181715172727184715   2 TMPRSS6-hc-1B 2647364545462646361   3 TMPRSS6-h-2A 6154645272747282718   4 TMPRSS6-h-2B 3645354745452717261   5 TMPRSS6-h-3A 6281546184546173748   6 TMPRSS6-h-3B 3748461727361726351   7 TMPRSS6-hc-4A 5171846174537271847   8 TMPRSS6-hc-4B 4736454827461736462   9 TMPRSS6-h-5A 6153636462728284627  10 TMPRSS6-h-5B 4517353545171818261  11 TMPRSS6-h-6A 8164536184718173535  12 TMPRSS6-h-6B 2828463647361827163  13 TMPRSS6-h-7A 6451816452645173728  14 TMPRSS6-h-7B 3548462715271636271  15 TMPRSS6-hcmr-8A 5181637352846261637  16 TMPRSS6-hcmr-8B 4816151735284816362  17 TMPRSS6-hcm-9A 6273646282647284546  18 TMPRSS6-hcm-9B 1727354715351718451  19 TMPRSS6-hc-10A 5263627372838184625  20 TMPRSS6-hc-10B 2517363835484518152  21 TMPRSS6-hc-11A 8151717172537284738  22 TMPRSS6-hc-11B 3847354825464646263  23 TMPRSS6-hcm-12A 8361715354847151847  24 TMPRSS6-hcm-12B 4736264737282646183  25 TMPRSS6-hc-13A 5363635482648182618  26 TMPRSS6-hc-13B 3615363715372818182  27 TMPRSS6-hcmr-14A 7272825454538273738  28 TMPRSS6-hcmr-14B 3848453827272535454  29 TMPRSS6-hcmr-15A 5452737164826252736  30 TMPRSS6-hcmr-15B 1845251537164845272  31 TMPRSS6-Luc-siRNA- 5382645251738381638 1A  32 TMPRSS6-Luc-siRNA- 3816383856252715382 1B  33 TMPRSS6-PTEN-A 5a6g5u7u6g7u8u8g5g8  34 TMPRSS6-PTEN-B c7a7c6c6g7u6g6a7u5a  35 hTMPRSS6 (upper) ccgccaaagcccagaag  36 hTMPRSS6 (lower) ggTcccTccccaaaggaaTag  37 hTMPRSS6 (probe) cagcacccgccTgggaacTTacTacaac  38 mTMPRSS6 (upper) cggcaccTaccTTccacTcTT  39 mTMPRSS6 (lower) TcggTggTgggcaTccT  40 mTMPRSS6 (probe) ccgagaTgTTTccagcTccccTgTTcTa  41 h-Aktin (upper) gcaTgggTcagaaggaTTccTaT  42 h-Aktin (lower) TgTagaaggTgTggTgccagaTT  43 h-Aktin (probe) TcgagcacggcaTcgTcaccaa  44 mAktin (upper) gTTTgagaccTTcaacacccca  45 mAktin (lower) gaccagaggcaTacagggaca  46 mAktin (probe) ccaTgTacgTagccaTccaggcTgTg  47 PTEN (upper) caccgccaaaTTTaacTgcaga  48 PTEN (lower) aagggTTTgaTaagTTcTagcTgT  49 PTEN (probe) TgcacagTaTccTTTTgaagaccaTaaccca  50 mHAMP (upper) ccTgTcTccTgcTTcTccTccT  51 mHAMP (lower) aaTgTcTgcccTgcTTTcTTcc  52 mHAMP (probe) TgagcagcaccaccTaTcTccaTcaaca  53 TMPRSS6-hcmr-8B 4816151735284816362  54 TMPRSS6-h-2B 3645354745452717261  55 TMPRSS6-hcm-12B 4736264737282646183  56 TMPRSS6-h-7B 3548462715271636271  57 TMPRSS6-hcm-9B 1727354715351718451  58 TMPRSS6-hc-1B 2647364545462646361  59 TMPRSS6-hc-10B 2517363835484518152  60 TMPRSS6-hc-4B 4736454827461736462  61 TMPRSS6-h-3B 3748461727361726351  62 TMPRSS6-h-5B 4517353545171818261  63 TMPRSS6-hc-11B 3847354825464646263  64 TMPRSS6-hc-13B 3615363715372818182  65 TMPRSS6-hcmr-14B 3848453827272535454  66 TMPRSS6-h-6B 2828463647361827163  67 TMPJH01A 6273646282647284546  66 TMPJH01B 1727354715351718451  69 TMPJH02A 2237242282243284142  70 TMPJH02B 1723314715355754815  71 TMPJH03A 2273262646263246182  72 TMPJH03B 5363718351715354815  73 TMPJH04A 2273282646683248182  74 TMPJH05A 2273242242643244542  75 TMPJH05B 5727354315355754455  76 TMPJH06A 2277646242643244542  77 TMPJH07A 2277686242643244542  78 TMPJH08A 2273242246687244542  79 TMPJH09A 2273242682687244542  80 TMPJH10A 2273242242643284586  81 TMPJH11A 2273242242643288586  82 TMPJH12A 2273242246687284586  83 TMPJH13A 6277646246687284586  84 TMPJH13B 5767354315755758855  85 TMPJH14A 2273282282283284182  86 TMPJH14B 5327318315315318415  87 TMPJH15A 2273282282643284182  88 TMPJH16A 2237242242247244582  89 TMPJH16B 1723314355311358411  90 TMPJH17A 2273282242643284586  91 TMPJH18A 6277682242643288142  92 TMPJH19A 6277682242643288586  93 TMPJH20A 2233282242643284142  94 TMPJH21A 2277282242643284586  95 TMPJH22A 2273282642643284586  96 TMPJH23A 2273282282643284586  97 TMPJH24A 2273282246643284586  98 TMPJH25A 2273282242683284586  99 TMPJH26A 2273282242647284586 100 TMPJH27B 5727754715355754855 101 TMPJH28B 1723314311351714411 102 TMPJH29B 5767354315355754455 103 TMPJH30B 5727754315355754455 104 TMPJH31B 5727358315355754455 105 TMPJH32B 5727354315755754455 106 TMPJH33B 5727354315355758455 107 GN-TTR-hc-A ucuugguuac augaaauccc a 108 GN-TTR-hc-B ugggauuuca uguaaccaag a 109 GN2-Luc-siRNA 1-A 5(ps)3(ps)826452517383816(ps)3(ps)8 110 GN2-Luc-siRNA 1-B GN2-38163838462527153(ps)8(ps)2 111 STS012-A 6(ps)2(ps)736462826472845(ps)4(ps)6 112 STS012-B GN-17273547153517184(ps)5(ps)1 113 STS012-1-A 6(ps)2(ps)736462826472845(ps)4(ps)6 114 STS012-1-B GN-57677547153517588(ps)5(ps)5 115 STS012-2-A 6(ps)2(ps)736462826472845(ps)4(ps)6 116 STS012-2-B GN-57673543157557588(ps)5(ps)5 117 STS012-3-A 6(ps)2(ps)736462826472845(ps)4(ps)6 118 STS012-3-B GN-57A70547153517T8G(ps)5(ps)T 119 STS012-4-A 6(ps)2(ps)776462466872845(ps)8(ps)6 120 STS012-4-B GN-57673543157557588(ps)5(ps)5 121 STS012-5-A 6(ps)2(ps)736462426472845(ps)4(ps)6 122 STS012-5-B GN-17273543153517184(ps)5(ps)1 123 STS012-6-A 6(ps)2(ps)73646242647284546(ps)7(ps)7 124 STS012-6-B GN-17273543153517184(ps)5(ps)1 125 STS012-7-A 6(ps)2(ps)776866866472885(ps)8(ps)6 126 STS012-7-B GN-57677547153517588(ps)5(ps)5 127 STSo12-8-A 6(ps)2(ps)776866866472885(ps)8(ps)6 128 STS012-8-B GN-57673543157557588(ps)5(ps)5 129 STS012-9-A 2(ps)2(ps)772422422472445(ps)4(ps)2 130 STS012-9-B GN-57277547157557544(ps)5(ps)5 131 control siRNA A 5(ps)1(ps)645262735151828(ps)2(ps)7 132 control siRNA B GN-45353626284515271(ps)6(ps)2 133 hcTMP-SR1-A mCfUmGfAmGfGmAfCmGfCmCfCmUfGmGfGmAfGmU 134 hcTMP-SR1-B fAmCfUmCfCmCfAmGfGmGfCmGfUmCfCmUfCmAfG 135 hcTMP-SR2-A mGfCmUfGmAfGmGfAmCfGmCfCmCfUmGfGmGfAmG 136 hcTMP-SR2-B fCmUfCmCfCmAfGmGfGmCfGmUfCmCfUmCfAmGfC 137 hcTMP-SR3-A mUfGmCfUmGfAmGfGmAfCmGfCmCfCmUfGmGfGmA 138 hcTMP-SR3-B fUmCfCmCfAmGfGmGfCmGfUmCfCmUfCmAfGmCfA 139 hcTMP-SR4-A mGfUmGfCmUfGmAfGmGfAmCfGmCfCmCfUmGfGmG 140 hcTMP-SR4-B fCmCfCmAfGmGfGmCfGmUfCmCfUmCfAmGfCmAfC 141 hcTMP-SR5-A mGfGmUfGmCfUmGfAmGfGmAfCmGfCmCfCmUfGmG 142 hcTMP-SR5-B fCmCfAmGfGmGfCmGfUmCfCmUfCmAfGmCfAmCfC 143 hcTMP-SR6-A mGfGmGfUmGfCmUfGmAfGmGfAmCfGmCfCmCfUmG 144 hcIMP-SR6-B fCmAfGmGfGmCfGmUfCmCfUmCfAmGfCmAfCmCfC 145 hcTMP-SR8-A mCfGmGfGmGfUmGfCmUfGmAfGmGfAmCfGmCfCmC 146 hcTMP-SR8-B fGmGfGmCfGmUfCmCfUmCfAmGfCmAfCmCfCmCfG 147 hcTMP-SR9-A mAfCmGfGmGfGmUfGmCfUmGfAmGfGmAfCmGfCmC 148 hcTMP-SR9-B fGmGfCmGfUmCfCmUfCmAfGmCfAmCfCmCfCmGfU 149 hcTMP-SR10-A mUfAmCfGmGfGmGfUmGfCmUfGmAfGmGfAmCfGmC 150 hcTMP-SR10-B fGmCfGmUfCmCfUmCfAmGfCmAfCmCfCmCfGmUfA 151 hcTMP-SR11-A mGfUmAfCmGfGmGfGmUfGmCfUmGfAmGfGmAfCmG 152 hcTMP-SRI1-B fCmGfUmCfCmUfCmAfGmCfAmCfCmCfCmGfUmAfC 153 hcTMP-SR12-A mAfGmUfAmCfGmGfGmGfUmGfCmUfGmAfGmGfAmC 154 hcTMP-SR12-B fGmUfCmCfUmCfAmGfCmAfCmCfCmCfGmUfAmCfU 155 hcTMP-SR13-A mAfAmGfUmAfCmGfGmGfGmUfGmCfUmGfAmGfGmA 156 hcTMP-SR13-B fUmCfCmUfCmAfGmCfAmCfCmCfCmGfUmAfCmUfU 157 hcTMP-SR15-A mGfGmAfAmGfUmAfCmGfGmGfCmUfGmCfUmGfAmG 158 hcTMP-SR15-B fCmUfCmAfGmCfAmCfCmCfCmGfUmAfCmUfUmCfC 159 hcTMP-SR16-A mGfGmGfAmAfGmUfAmCfGmGfGmGfUmGfCmUfGmA 160 hcTMP-SR16-B fUmCfAmGfCmAfCmCfCmCfGmUfAmCfUmUfCmCfC 161 hcTMP-SR17-A mGfGmGfGmAfAmGfUmAfCmGfGmGfGmUfGmCfUmG 162 hcTMP-SR17-B fCmAfGmCfAmCfCmCfCmGfUmAfCmUfUmCfCmCfC 163 hcTMP-SR18-A mUfGmGfGmGfAmAfGmUfAmCfGmGfGmGfUmGfCmU 164 hcTMP-SR18-B fAmGfCmAfCmCfCmCfGmUfAmCfUmUfCmCfCmCfA 165 hcTMP-SR19-A mCfUmGfGmGfGmAfAmGfUmAfCmGfGmGfGmUfGmC 166 hcTMP-SR19-B fGmCfAmCfCmCfCmGfUmAfCmUfUmCfCmCfCmAfG 167 hcTMP-SR21-A mAfGmCfUmGfGmGfGmAfAmGfUmAfCmGfGmGfGmU 168 hcTMP-SR21-B fAmCfCmCfCmGfUmAfCmUfUmCfCmCfCmAfGmCfU 169 hcTMP-SR22-A mUfAmGfCmUfGmGfGmGfAmAfGmUfAmCfGmGfGmG 170 hcTMP-SR22-B fCmCfCmCfGmUfAmCfUmUfCmCfCmCfAmGfCmUfA 171 hcTMP-SR23-A mGfUmAfGmCfUmGfGmGfGmAfAmGfUmAfCmGfGmG 172 hcTMP-SR23-B fCmCfCmGfUmAfCmUfUmCfCmCfCmAfGmCfUmAfC 173 hcTMP-SR24-A mAfGmUfAmGfCmUfGmGfGmGfAmAfGmUfAmCfGmG 174 hcTMP-SR24-B fCmCfGmUfAmCfUmUfCmCfCmCfAmGfCmUfAmCfU 175 hcTMP-SR26-A mGfUmAfGmUfAmGfCmUfGmGfGmGfAmAfGmUfAmC 176 hcTMP-SR26-B fGmUfAmCfUmUfCmCfCmCfAmGfCmUfAmCfUmAfC 177 hcTMP-SR27-A mAfGmUfAmGfUmAfGmCfUmGfGmGfGmAfAmGfUmA 178 hcTMP-SR27-B fUmAfCmUfUmCfCmCfCmAfGmCfUmAfCmUfAmCfU 179 hcTMP-SR28-A mGfAmGfUmAfGmUfAmGfCmUfGmGfGmGfAmAfGmU 180 hcTMP-SR28-B fAmCfUmUfCmCfCmCfAmGfCmUfAmCfUmAfCmUfC 181 hcTMP-SR29-A mCfGmAfGmUfAmGfUmAfGmCfUmGfGmGfGmAfAmG 182 hcTMP-SR29-B fCmUfUmCfCmCfCmAfGmCfUmAfCmUfAmCfUmCfG 183 hcTMP-SR30-A mGfCmGfAmGfUmAfGmUfAmGfCmUfGmGfGmGfAmA 184 hcTMP-SR30-B fUmUfCmCfCmCfAmGfCmUfAmCfUmAfCmUfCmGfC 185 hcTMP-SR31-A mGfGmCfGmAfGmUfAmGfUmAfGmCfUmGfGmGfGmA 186 hcTMP-SR31-B fUmCfCmCfCmAfGmCfUmAfCmUfAmCfUmCfGmCfC 187 hcTMP-SR32-A mGfGmGfCmGfAmGfUmAfGmUfAmGfCmUfGmGfGmG 188 hcTMP-SR32-B fCmCfCmCfAmGfCmUfAmCfUmAfCmUfCmGfCmCfC 189 hcIMP-SR33-A mGfGmGfGmCfGmAfGmUfAmGfUmAfGmCfUmGfGmG 190 hcTMP-SR33-B fCmCfCmAfGmCfUmAfCmUfAmCfUmCfGmCfCmCfC 191 hcTMP-SR34-A mUfGmGfGmGfCmGfAmGfUmAfGmUfAmGfCmUfGmG 192 hcTMP-SR34-B fCmCfAmGfCmUfAmCfUmAfCmUfCmGfCmCfCmCfA 193 hcTMP-SR35-A mUfUmGfGmGfGmCfGmAfGmUfAmGfUmAfGmCfUmG 194 hcTMP-SR35-B fCmAfGmCfUmAfCmUfAmCfUmCfGmCfCmCfCmAfA 195 TMPRSS6-hc-16A mUfAmUfUmCfCmAfAmAfGmGfGmCfAmGfCmUfGmA 196 TMPRSS6-hc-16B fUmCfAmGfCmUfGmCfCmCfUmUfUmGfGmAfAmUfA 197 TMPRSS6-hc-17A mA(ps)fU(ps)mCfUmUfCmUfGmGfGmCfUmUfUmGfGmC(ps)fG(ps)mG 198 TMPRSS6-hc-17B GN3-fCmCfGmCfCmAfAmAfGmCfCmCfAmGfAmAfG(ps)mA(ps)fU 199 TMPRSS6-hc-18A mU(ps)fU(ps)mUfUmCfUmCfUmUfGmGfAmGfUmCfCmU(ps)fC(ps)mA 200 TMPRSS6-hc-18B GN3-fUmGfAmGfGmAfCmUfCmCfAmAfGmAfGmAfA(ps)mA(ps)fA 201 TMPRSS6-hc-19A mGfAmAfUmAfGmAfCmGfGmAfGmCfUmGfGmAfGmU 202 TMPRSS6-hc-19B fAmCfUmCfCmAfGmCfUmCfCmGfUmCfUmAfUmUfC 203 TMPRSS6-hc-21A mUfAmGfUmAfGmCfUmGfGmGfGmAfAmGfUmAfCmG 204 TMPRSS6-hc-21B fCmGfUmAfCmUfUmCfCmCfCmAfGmCfUmAfCmUfA 205 TMPRSS6-hc-22A mAfGmAfUmCfCmUfGmGfGmAfGmAfAmGfUmGfGmC 206 TMPRSS6-hc-22B fGmCfCmAfCmUfUmCfUmCfCmCfAmGfGmAfUmCfU 207 TMPRSS6-hc-23A mC(ps)fU(ps)mGfUmUfCmUfGmGfAmUfCmGfUmCfCmA(ps)fC(ps)mU 208 TMPRSS6-hc-23B GN3-fAmGfUmGfGmAfCmGfAmUfCmCfAmGfAmAfC(ps)mA(ps)fG 209 TMPRSS6-hcmr-24A mCfUmCfAmCfCmUfUmGfAmAfGmGfAmCfAmCfCmU 210 TMPRSS6-hcmr-24B fAmGfGmUfGmUfCmCfUmUfCmAfAmGfGmUfGmAfG 211 TMPRSS6-hcm-25A mA(ps)fG(ps)mUfUmUfCmUfCmUfCmAfUmCfCmAfGmG(ps)fC(ps)mC 212 TMPRSS6-hcm-25B GN3-fGmGfCmCfUmGfGmAfUmGfAmGfAmGfAmAfA(ps)mC(ps)fU 213 TMPRSS6-hcr-26A mG(ps)fU(ps)mAfCmCfCmUfAmGfGmAfAmAfUmAfCmC(ps)fA(ps)mG 214 TMPRSS6-hcr-26B GN3-fCmUfGmGfUmAfUmUfUmCfCmUfAmGfGmGfU(ps)mA(ps)fC 215 TMPRSS6-hc-27A mCfUmGfUmUfGmAfCmUfGmUfGmGfAmCfAmGfCmA 216 TMPRSS6-hc-27B fUmGfCmUfGmUfCmCfAmCfAmGfUmCfAmAfCmAfG 217 STS12009L4-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mA 218 STS12009L4-B GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fU 219 STS12009V2L4-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mA 220 STS12009V2L4-B GN2-mUmCmAmCfCmUfGfCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUmGmG(ps)mU(ps)mU 221 STS12009V8L4-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCmCmAmGmAmAmGmAmAfGmCfAmGmGmU(ps)mG(ps)mA 222 STS12009V8L4-B GN2-mUmCmAmCfCmUfGfCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUmGmG(ps)mU(ps)mU 223 GN2-Luc-A mU(ps)fU(ps)mAfGmUfAmAfAmCfCmUfUmUfUmGfAmG(ps)fA(ps)mC 224 GN2-Luc-B GN2-fGmUfCmUfCmAfAmAfAmGfGmUfUmUfAmCfU(ps)mA(ps)fA 225 TMP01-A mAfAmCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA 226 TMP01-B fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU 227 TMP66-A mAfAmCfCmAmGfAmAmGmAmAmGmCfAmGmGmUmGmA 228 TMP66-B mUmCmAmCmCmUfGmCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUmGmGmUmU 229 TMP69-A fAfAfCfCfAmGfAfAfGfAmAfGfCfAmGfGfUfGfA 230 TMP69-B fUmCfAfCfCfUfGfCfUfUfCmUfUmCfUfGfGfUfU 231 IMP79-A fAfAmCfCfAmGfAfAfGfAmAfGfCfAmGfGmUmGmA 232 TMP79-B mUmCfAmCfCmUfGfCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUfGfGmUmU 233 TMP80-A fAfAmCmCfAmGfAfAfGfAmAfGfCfAmGfGmUmGmA 234 TMP80-B mUmCfAmCfCmUfGfCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUfGfGmUmU 235 TMP81-A fAfAmCfCfAmGfAfAfGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUmGmA 236 TMP81-B mUmCfAmCfCmUfGfCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUfGfGmUmU 237 STS12009V27L4-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCmCmAmGmAmAmGmAmAfGmCfAmGmGmU(ps)mG(ps)mA 238 STS12009V27L4-A GN2-mUmCmAmCmCmUfGfCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUmGmG(ps)mU(ps)mU 239 STS12009V41L4-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCmCmAmGmAmAmGmAmAfGmCfAmGmGmU(ps)mG(ps)mA 240 STS12009V41L4-A GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fU 241 TMP95-A mAfAmCmCmAmGmAmAmGmAmAmGmCfAmGmGmUmGmA 242 TMP95-B fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU 243 TMP99-A mAfAmCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA 244 TMP99-B mUmCmAmCmCmUfGmCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUmGmGmUmU 245 TMP112-A mA[A]mCmCmAmGmAmAmGmAmAmGmCfAmGmGmUmGmA 246 TMP112-B fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU 247 TMP114-A mAfAmCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA 248 TMP114-B mUmCmAmCmCmU{G}mCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUmGmGmUmU 249 TMP115-A mAfAmCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA 250 TMP115-B mUmCmAmCmCmUfGmC{U}mUmCmUmUmCmUmGmGmUmU 251 TMP116-A mAfAmCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA 252 TMP116-B mUmCmAmCmCmU[G]mCfUmUmCmUmUmCmUmGmGmUmU 253 TMP117-A mAfAmCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA 254 TMP117-B mUmCmAmCmCmUfGmC[U]mUmCmUmUmumUmGmGmUmU 255 TMP70-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mA 256 TMP70-B fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fU 257 TMP82-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA(ps)ivA 258 TMP82-B fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU(ps)ivA 259 TMP83-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA(ps)ivG 260 TMP83-B fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU(ps)ivG 261 TMP84-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfG ivA 262 TMP84-B fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU ivG 263 TMP85-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfG ivU 264 TMP85-B fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU ivG 265 TMP86-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfG ivC 266 TMP86-B fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU ivG 267 TMP87-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfG ivG 268 TMP87-B fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfU ivG 269 TMP88-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA ivG 270 TMP88-B fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmU ivA 271 TMP89-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA ivG 272 TMP89-B fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmU ivU 273 TMP90-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA ivG 274 TMP90-B fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmU ivC 275 TMP91-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA ivG 276 TMP91-B fU(ps)mC(ps)fAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmU ivG 277 STS12009V10L4-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmAivA 278 STS12009V10L4-B GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfUivA 279 STS12009V11L4-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmAivG 280 STS12009V11L4-B GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmUfUivG 281 STS12009V29L4-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mAivA 282 STS12009V29L4-B GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fUivA 283 STS12009V30L4-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmfiAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mAivG 284 STS12009V30L4-B GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fUivG 285 STS12009V34L4-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mA 286 STS12009V34L4-B GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmU(ps2)fU 287 STS12009V36L4-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfG(ps2)mA 288 STS12009V36L4-B GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fU 289 STS12009V37L4-A mA(ps2)fAmCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mA 290 STS12009V37L4-B GN2-fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfG(ps)mU(ps)fU 291 STS12009V40L4-A mA(ps)fA(ps)mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmU(ps)fG(ps)mA 292 STS12009V40L4-B GNo-fU(ps2)mCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCgUmGgGmU(ps2)fU 293 STS12209V4L4-A vinylphosphonate-mU (ps) fA (ps) mC fC mA fG mA fA mG fA  mA fG mC fA mG fG mU (ps) fG (ps) mA 294 STS12209V4L4-B GN2 fU mC fA mC fC mU fG mC fU mU fC mU fU mC fU mG fG  (ps) mU (ps) fA 295 STS12209V5L4-A vinylphosphonate-mU fA mC fC mA fG mA fA mG fA mA fG mC  fA mG fG mU (ps) fG (ps) mA 296 STS12209V5L4-B GN2 fU mC fA mC fC mU fG mC fU mU fC mU fU mC fU mG fG  (ps) mU (ps) fA 297 STS12209L4-A mU (ps) fA (ps) mC fC mA fG mA fA mG fA mA fG mC fA mG  fG mU (ps) fG (ps) mA 298 STS12209L4-B GN2 fU mC fA mC fC mU fG mC fU mU fC mU fU mC fU mG fG  (ps) mU (ps) fA 299 STS12209V1L4-A mU fA mC fC mA fG mA fA mG fA mA fG mC fA mG fG mU (ps)  fG (ps) mA 300 STS12209V1L4-B GN2 fU mC fA mC fC mU fG mC fU mU fC mU fU mC fU mG fG  (ps) mU (ps) fA 301 STS18001-A mU(ps)fC(ps)mGfAmAfGmUfAmUfUmCfCmGfCmGfUmA(ps)fC(ps)mG 302 STS18001-B GN2 fCmGfUmAfCmGfCmGfGmAfAmUfAmCfUmUfC (ps) mG (ps) fA 303 PTEN-2-A caccgccaaaTTTaacTgcaga 304 PTEN-2-B aagggTTTgaTaagTTcTagcTgT 305 PTEN-2-C FAM-TgcacagTaTccTTTTgaagaccaTaaccca-TAMRA 306 hTMSS6:379U17 ccgccaaagcccagaag 307 hTMSS6:475L21 ggTcccTccccaaaggaaTag 308 hTMSS6:416U28FL FAM-cagcacccgccTgggaacTTacTacaac-BHQ1 309 STS12009V54L50-A mA (ps) fA (ps) mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfG ps2) mA 310 STS12009V54L50-B GNo - fU (ps2) mCfAmCfCmUfGmCIUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmU (ps2)  fU 311 STS12009V55L50-A mA (ps) fA (ps) mCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfG (ps2)  mA 312 STS12009V55L50-B GNo - fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmU (ps2) fU 313 STS12009V56L50-A mAfAmCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfGmA 314 STS12009V56L50-B GNo - fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmU (ps2) fU 315 STS12009V57L50-A mAfAmCfCmAfGmAfAmGfAmAfGmCfAmGfGmUfG (ps2) mA 316 STS12009V57L50-B GNo - fUmCfAmCfCmUfGmCfUmUfCmUfUmCfUmGfGmU (ps2) fU 317 TMPRSS6-hc-1A augucuuucacacuggcuu 318 TMPRSS6-hc-1B aagccagugugaaagacau 319 TMPRSS6-h-2A auugaguacacgcagacug 320 TMPRSS6-h-2B cagucugcguguacucaau 321 TMPRSS6-h-3A aaguugauggugaucccgg 322 TMPRSS6-h-3B ccgggaucaccaucaacuu 323 TMPRSS6-hc-4A uucuggaucguccacuggc 324 TMPRSS6-hc-4B gccaguggacgauccagaa 325 TMPRSS6-h-5A auucacagaacagaggaac 326 TMPRSS6-h-5B guuccucuguucugugaau 327 TMPRSS6-h-6A guagucauggcuguccucu 328 TMPRSS6-h-6B agaggacagccaugacuac 329 TMPRSS6-h-7A aguuguaguaaguucccag 330 TMPRSS6-h-7B cugggaacuuacuacaacu 331 TMPRSS6-hcmr-8A uuguacccuaggaaauacc 332 TMPRSS6-hcmr-8B gguauuuccuaggguacaa 333 TMPRSS6-hcm-9A aaccagaagaagcagguga 334 TMPRSS6-hcm-9B ucaccugcuucuucugguu 335 TMPRSS6-hc-10A uaacaacccagcguggaau 336 TMPRSS6-hc-10B auuccacgcuggguuguua 337 TMPRSS6-hc-11A guuucucucauccaggccg 338 TMPRSS6-hc-11B cggccuggaugagagaaac 339 TMPRSS6-hcm-12A gcaucuucugggcuuuggc 340 TMPRSS6-hcm-12B gccaaagcccagaagaugc 341 TMPRSS6-hc-13A ucacacuggaaggugaaug 342 TMPRSS6-hc-13B cauucaccuuccaguguga 343 TMPRSS6-hcmr-14A cacagaugugucgaccccg 344 TMPRSS6-hcmr-14B cggggucgacacaucugug 345 TMPRSS6-hcmr-15A uguacccuaggaaauacca 346 TMPRSS6-hcmr-15B ugguauuuccuaggguaca 347 TMPRSS6-Luc-siRNA- ucgaaguauuccgcguacg 1A 348 TMPRSS6-Luc-siRNA- cguacgcggaauacuucga 1B 349 TMPRSS6-PTEN-A uaaguucuagcuguggugg 350 TMPRSS6-PTEN-B ccaccacagcuagaacuua 351 GN-TTR-hc-A ucuugguuac augaaauccc a 352 GN-TTR-hc-B ugggauuuca uguaaccaag a 353 STS012-6-A aaccagaagaagcaggugacc 354 control siRNA A uuaguaaaccuuuugagac 355 control siRNA B gucucaaaagguuuacuaa 356 hcTMP-SR1-A cugaggacgcccugggagu 357 hcTMP-SR1-B acucccagggcguccucag 358 hcTMP-SR2-A gcugaggacgcccugggag 359 hcTMP-SR2-B cucccagggcguccucagc 360 hcTMP-SR3-A ugcugaggacgcccuggga 361 hcTMP-SR3-B ucccagggcguccucagca 362 hcTMP-SR4-A gugcugaggacgcccuggg 363 hcTMP-SR4-B cccagggcguccucagcac 364 hcTMP-SR5-A ggugcugaggacgcccugg 365 hcTMP-SR5-B ccagggcguccucagcacc 366 hcTMP-SR6-A gggugcugaggacgcccug 367 hcTMP-SR6-B cagggcguccucagcaccc 368 hcTMP-SR8-A cggggugcugaggacgccc 369 hcTMP-SR8-B gggcguccucagcaccccg 370 hcTMP-SR9-A acggggugcugaggacacc 371 hcTMP-SR9-B ggcguccucagcaccccgu 372 hcTMP-SR10-A uacggggugcugaggacgc 373 hcTMP-SR10-B gcguccucagcaccccqua 374 hcTMP-SR11-A guacggggugcugaggacg 375 hcTMP-SR11-B cguccucagcaccccguac 376 hcTMP-SR12-A aguacggggugcugaggac 377 hcTMP-SR12-B guccucagcaccccguacu 378 hcTMP-SR13-A aaguacggggugcugagga 379 hcTMP-SR13-B uccucagcaccccguacuu 380 hcTMP-SR15-A ggaaguacggggugcuaaa 381 hcTMP-SR15-B cucagcaccccguacuucc 382 hcTMP-SR16-A gggaaguacggggugcuga 383 hcTMP-SR16-B ucagcaccccguacuuccc 384 hcTMP-SR17-A ggggaaguacggggugcug 385 hcTMP-SR17-B cagcaccccguacuucccc 386 hcTMP-SR18-A uggggaaguacggggugcu 387 hcTMP-SR18-B agcaccccguacuucccca 388 hcTMP-SR19-A cuggggaaguacggggugc 389 hcTMP-SR19-B gcaccccguacuuccccag 390 hcTMP-SR21-A agcuggggaaguacggggu 391 hcTMP-SR21-B accccguacuuccccagcu 392 hcTMP-SR22-A uagcugagaaaguacgggg 393 hcTMP-SR22-B ccccguacuuccccagcua 394 hcTMP-SR23-A guagcuggggaaguacggg 395 hcTMP-SR23-B cccguacuuccccagcuac 396 hcTMP-SR24-A aguagcuggggaaguacga 397 hcTMP-SR24-B ccguacuuccccagcuacu 398 hcTMP-SR26-A guaguagcuggggaaguac 399 hcTMP-SR26-B guacuuccccagcuacuac 400 hcTMP-SR27-A aguaguagcuggggaagua 401 hcTMP-SR27-B uacuuccccagcuacuacu 402 hcTMP-SR28-A gaguaguagcuggggaagu 403 hcTMP-SR28-B acuuccccagcuacuacuc 404 hcTMP-SR29-A cgaguaguagcuggggaag 405 hcTMP-SR29-B cuuccccagcuacuacucg 406 hcIMP-SR30-A gcgaguaguagcuggggaa 407 hcTMP-SR30-B uuccccagcuacuacucgc 408 hcTMP-SR31-A ggcgaguaguagcugggga 409 hcTMP-SR31-B uccccagcuacuacucgcc 410 hcTMP-SR32-A gggcgaguaguagcugggg 411 hcTMP-SR32-B ccccagcuacuacucgccc 412 hcTMP-SR33-A ggggcgaguaguagcuggg 413 hcTMP-SR33-B cccagcuacuacucgcccc 414 hcTMP-SR34-A uggggcaaguaguaacugg 415 hcTMP-SR34-B ccagcuacuacucgcccca 416 hcTMP-SR35-A uuggggcgaguaguagcug 417 hcTMP-SR35-B cagcuacuacucgccccaa 418 TMPRSS6-hc-16A uauuccaaagggcagcuga 419 TMPRSS6-hc-16B ucagcugcccuuuggaaua 420 TMPRSS6-hc-17A aucuucugggcuuuggcgg 421 TMPRSS6-hc-17B ccgccaaagcccagaagau 422 TMPRSS6-hc-18A uuuucucuuggaguccuca 423 TMPRSS6-hc-18B ugaggacuccaagagaaaa 424 TMPRSS6-hc-19A gaauagacggagcuggagu 425 TMPRSS6-hc-19B acuccagcuccgucuauuc 426 TMPRSS6-hc-21A uaguagcuggggaaguacg 427 TMPRSS6-hc-21B cguacuuccccagcuacua 428 TMPRSS6-hc-22A agauccugggagaaguggc 429 TMPRSS6-hc-22B gccacuucucccaggaucu 430 TMPRSS6-hc-23A cuguucuggaucguccacu 431 TMPRSS6-hc-23B aguggacgauccagaacag 432 TMPRSS6-hcmr-24A cucaccuugaaggacaccu 433 TMPRSS6-hcmr-24B agguguccuucaaggugag 434 TMPRSS6-hcm-25A aguuucucucauccaggcc 435 TMPRSS6-hcm-25B ggccuggaugagagaaacu 436 TMPRSS6-hcr-26A guacccuaggaaauaccag 437 TMPRSS6-hcr-26B cugguauuuccuaggguac 438 TMPRSS6-hc-27A cuguugacuguggacagca 439 TMPRSS6-hc-27B ugcuguccacagucaacag 440 STS12209V4L4-A uaccagaagaagcagguga 441 STS12209V4L4-B ucaccugcuucuucuggua 442 STS18001-A ucgaaguauuccgcguacg 443 STS18001-B cguacgcggaauacuucga 444 PTEN-2-A caccgccaaaTTTaacTgcaga 445 PTEN-2-B aagggTTTgaTaagTTcTagcTgT 446 PTEN-2-C TgcacagTaTccTTTTgaagaccaTaaccca 447 hTMSS6:379U17 ccgccaaagcccagaag 448 hTMSS6:475L21 ggTcccTcccaaaggaaTag 449 hTMSS6:416U28FL cagcacccgccTgggaacTTacTacaac Key 1 = 2′F-dU 2 = 2′F-dA 3 = 2′F-dc 4 = 2′F-dG 5 = 2′OMe-rU 6 = 2′OMe-rA 7 = 2′OMe-rC 8 = 2′OMe-rG T = dT u = rU a = rA c = rC g = rG mA, mU, mC, mG - 2′-OMe RNA fA, fU, fC, fG - 2′-F DNA (ps) - phosphorothioate GN = GaINAc linker GN according to FIG. 8A GN2 = GaINAc structure according to FIG. 8B GN3 = GaINAc linker structure according to FIG. 8C GNo = GN2 with phosphodiesters instead of (ps) [A], [T], [C], [G] - DNA {A, {U}, {C}, {G} - LNA ivA, ivC, ivU, ivG - inverted RNA (3′-3′) (ps2) - phosphorodithioate vinylphosphonate vinyl-(E)-phosphonate FAM - 6-Carboxyfluorescein TAMRA - 5-Carboxytetramethylrhodamine BHQ - Black Hole Quencher 1

Where specific linkers and or modified linkages are taught within an RNA sequence, such as PS, PS2, GN, GN2, GN3 etc etc, these are optional parts of the sequence, but are a preferred embodiment of that sequence.

The following abbreviations may be used:

ivN Inverted nucleotide, either 3′-3′ or 5′-5′ (ps2) Phosphorodithioate vinylphosphonate Vinyl-(E)-phosphonate FAM 6-Carboxyfluorescein TAMRA 5-Carboxytetramethylrhodamine BHQ1 Black Hole Quencher 1 (ps) Phosphorothioate GN

GN2

GN3

GNo Same as GN2 but with phosphodiesters instead of phophorothioates ST23

ST41/C4XLT ST43/C6XLT

Long trebler/ltrb/STKS

Ser(GN)

GlyC3Am(GalNAc)

GalNAc (only in when used in GN2 (see above) sequences) (MOE-U), (MOE-C) 2′methoxyethyl RNA {A}, {U}, {C}, {G} LNA [ST23 (ps)]3 ST41 (ps) GN2 (see above) [ST23 (ps)]3 ST43 (ps) GN3 (see above) ST23(ps) long trebler(ps) GN (see above) 

1. A nucleic acid for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS6, comprising at least one duplex region that comprises at least a portion of a first strand and at least a portion of a second strand that is at least partially complementary to the first strand, wherein said first strand is at least partially complementary to at least a portion of RNA transcribed from the TMPRSS6 gene, wherein said nucleic acid comprises the following first strand: 5′-3′: aaccagaagaagcagguga; optionally wherein the nucleic further comprises the following second strand: 5′-3′: ucaccugcuucuucugguu
 2. A nucleic acid according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more nucleotides on the first and/or second strand are modified, to form modified nucleotides.
 3. A nucleic acid of claim 2, wherein said first strand comprises a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:17, and wherein said second strand comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:18. SEQ ID 5′aaccagaaga 6273646282647284546 NO: 17 agcagguga 3′ SEQ ID 5′ucaccugcuu 1727354715351718451 NO: 18 cuucugguu 3′

wherein the specific modifications are depicted by the following numbers 1=2′F-dU, 2=2′F-dA, 3-2′F-dC, 4=2′F-dG, 5=2′-OMe-rU; 6=2′-OMe-rA; 7=2′-OMe-rC; 8-2′-OMe-rG.
 4. A nucleic acid according to any preceeding claim conjugated to a ligand, optionally at the 5′ end of the second strand.
 5. A nucleic acid according to claim 4 wherein the ligand comprises (i) one or more N-acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc) moieties and derivatives thereof, and (ii) a linker, wherein the linker conjugates the GalNAc moieties to the nucleic acid.
 6. A nucleic acid according to claim 4 or 5, wherein linker is a bivalent or trivalent or tetravalent branched structure.
 7. A conjugated nucleic acid according to any of claims 4-6, having the structure:

wherein Z is a nucleic acid according to any of claims 1 to
 40. 8. A nucleic acid according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or a conjugated nucleic according to claim 7, wherein the nucleic acid is stabilised at the 5′ and/or 3′ end of either or both strands.
 9. A nucleic acid according to claim 8 comprising a phosphorothioate linkage between the terminal one, two or three 3′ nucleotides and/or 5′ nucleotides of the first and/or the second strand, or comprising a phosphorodithioate linkage.
 10. A nucleic acid according to claim 9 comprising two phosphorothioate linkage between each of the three terminal 3′ and between each of the three terminal 5′ nucleotides on the first strand, and two phosphorothioate linkages between the three terminal nucleotides of the 3′ end of the second strand, having the structure 5′-3′ TMPRSS6- 6 (ps) 2 (ps) 736462826472845 (ps) 4 (ps) 6 hcm-9A 5′-3′ TMPRSS6- 17273547153517184 (ps) 5 (ps) 1 hcm-9B


11. A composition comprising a nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid of any preceding claim and a physiologically acceptable excipient.
 12. A nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid or composition according to any preceding claim for use in the treatment of a disease or disorder.
 13. Use of a nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid or composition according to any preceding claim in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a disease or disorder.
 14. A method of treating a disease or disorder comprising administration of a nucleic acid or composition comprising a nucleic acid or conjugated nucleic acid according to any one preceding claim to an individual in need of treatment.
 15. Use or method according to any of claims 13-14, or a nucleic acid for use according to claim 3, wherein said disease or disorder is selected from the group comprising hemochromatosis, erythropoietic porphyria, transfusional iron overload and blood disorders.
 16. A nucleic acid for use according to claim 12, use according to claim 13 or 15 or a method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the nucleic acid is for one or more or all of: (i) treatment of anemia, optionally suitably determined by an increase in haemoglobin; and/or (ii) amelioration of splenomegaly, optionally determined by a reduction of spleen size or weight: and/or (iii) reduction of stressed erythropoiesis in spleen, optionally determined by the proportion of erythroblasts and enucleated erythroid cells determined by FACS analysis, as described herein; and/or (iv) improvement of red blood cell maturation/erythropoiesis in the bone marrow, optionally determined by the proportion of erythroblasts and enucleated erythroid cells determined by FACS analysis. 